"Every species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius."

- E.O. Wilson,

"The Forest's Living Memory: Why the Coleto Holds the Key to Philippine Biodiversity"

This Coleto perched on a moss-covered branch in Negros Oriental represents something profound – a living link to the Philippines' ancient forest heritage. Found only in the Philippine archipelago, these remarkable birds serve as ecological memories of what these islands once were, carrying stories of vast rainforests in their genes and behaviors.

What makes this bird special? Coletos are highly intelligent corvids that have adapted uniquely to Philippine forests over millions of years. They're exceptional seed dispersers, carrying fruits from canopy trees across considerable distances and essentially "planting" the next generation of forest. This individual likely spent its morning foraging through the understory, using its powerful bill to crack open native fruits and probe for insects in tree bark. Their complex social behaviors and problem-solving abilities rival those of their crow and raven relatives worldwide.

The conservation challenge: Coletos face an uncertain future as endemic Philippine species. Deforestation has eliminated over 90% of the Philippines' original forest cover, fragmenting their habitat into isolated patches. They're particularly vulnerable because they require large territories and diverse forest ecosystems to thrive. Logging, agricultural conversion, and urban development continue shrinking their world. Climate change adds another layer of stress, potentially altering the fruiting cycles of trees they depend on for food.

How you can help: • Support Philippine forest restoration organizations working on Negros and other islands • Choose sustainably sourced products to reduce demand for deforestation-linked agriculture • Donate to local Filipino conservation groups protecting endemic species • Advocate for stronger international protections for tropical forests • Share stories about Philippine biodiversity to raise global awareness • Support eco-tourism initiatives that provide economic alternatives to forest clearing

When we protect the remaining forests where Coletos call home, we're preserving living libraries of evolution – ecosystems that took millions of years to develop and harbor species found nowhere else on Earth. This resilient bird reminds us that conservation isn't just about saving individual species; it's about protecting the intricate web of relationships that sustain life itself.

1/1500 sec at f/9.0

800 mm

ISO 51200

Canon EOS R1

RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM