At first glance, it may look strange, weird, or even scary. A cat-like creature climbing a tree. A sighting of multiple huge “worms.” A shoreline stained in unfamiliar colors. These are the kinds of moments that stop people in their tracks, pull out their phones, and capture the fascinating sight in front of them. As the word spreads quickly, so do the numbers, leaving the mass with more questions than answers. What are we really seeing? Are these signs of danger or simply glimpses of a world we rarely notice? In a country as biologically diverse as the Philippines, what may seem strange at first is often just nature revealing itself.
Not a Bird, Nor a Plane, Nor a Lemur
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It is a Flying Lemur, also known as Colugo. Despite its name, it doesn’t even fly nor is it a lemur. Instead, Colugos are nocturnal mammals who simply glide up to 100 meters or 10 city buses stuck together because of their specialized skin membrane called the patagium, stretching from their neck to their fingers, toes, and tail.
This strange animal was unexpectedly sighted, stuck in a branch in Northern Samar, far from their protected landscape under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Bohol. They are herbivores found always clinging to trees as they have everything they will ever need to survive. However, if they may sense danger or no longer find enough food, they’ll simply glide in style.
A Slimy Delicacy
Up to what lengths would one go for exotic food? In Pola, Oriental Mindoro, Ugaong is one of the bizarre delicacies in their community. To some, it may appear unappetizing or scary to eat as they are worm-like in appearance. In fact, they are not worms at all, they are shipworms that are mollusks known for their long tubular body structure. Unlike another shipworm called Tamilok that thrive in wood in coastal or mangrove areas, Ugaong are found in freshwater environments and burrows into rocks. There is no common English name for Ugaong as they are only found in the Philippines.
When preparing Ugaong, they are harvested and then carefully and thoroughly cleaned. A popular dish among the community is called Adobo sa Gatang Ugaong. Some citizens would say that it tastes like kabibe or a type of shell they also eat. Ugaong is rich in Vitamin B Complex and good cholesterol like Omega 3 and 6, supporting both brain and heart health.
The Red Sea
Could unusual sightings be bad omens? The red sea may have washed over Taytay, Palawan after a swarm of red jellyfish took over its coast. An aquacultural technician reported the peculiar view and smell in the water during low tide. And low and behold, there sat a number of Philippine Tomato Jellyfish. These jellyfish are found in the Indo-Pacific Region, known locally as Labong-Labong in Palawan. Their distinguishing features are called marginal lappets or broad flaps and branched oral arms compared to the usual tentacles of other jellyfish. This type of jellyfish are not as dangerous as others, possibly only causing skin irritation that is not life-threatening.
Jellyfish would have a hard time choosing between using the heart or the brain as they have none of those, or even bones. They only have a nerve net to feel light, movement, and food. Their ability of being glow-in-the-dark comes from bioluminescence or being able to release their own light amidst the dark ocean.
What is caught on camera is only a fraction of the whole story. Encounters like these act as reminders that what seems unfamiliar is often just wildlife yet to be understood, especially in the Philippines. And when seeing these animals, it is important to remember that one should not disturb, harm, or chase them, but allow them to remain in their natural space, to protect and preserve their population. Respecting their presence helps not only these animals but the balance of the ecosystem they belong to. The next time something unusual is caught on camera, always choose awareness and kindness, and remember that these moments are not strange, they are simply nature revealing itself.
Written by Saffron Jeffrielle B. Yap, Insight PH
Saffron Jeffrielle B. Yap, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
