KIDAPAWAN CITY, May 6 -- Environment officials in the Soccsksargen Region have documented critically endangered wildlife, such as squirrels and birds more commonly known as the mythical "Ibong Adarna," in the country's highest peak.

Lawyer Felix Alicer, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Soccsksargen (DENR-12) executive director, said two species of squirrels - the Philippine Pygmy Squirrel (Exilisciurus concinnus) and the Mindanao Tree Squirrel (Sundasciurus mindanensis) - were documented in Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) during the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) on April 29.

"The forest ecosystems in MANP contain suitable habitats and active ecological processes necessary for their existence," Alicer said in a statemen...