Mimbilisan Protected Landscape, Protected area in Philippines
Mimbilisan Protected Landscape is a forest area covering about 66 hectares in Misamis Oriental, stretching between the Talisayan and Mindocdocan rivers. The terrain consists of gentle hills and small mountains with dense vegetation, crossed by streams that feed the water system supplying nearby communities.
The area was first protected in 1936 to preserve the forests surrounding the waterfall. Its protected status was renewed in 1999 and 2007 to ensure lasting conservation under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.
The name Mimbilisan comes from the local language and refers to the waterfall and surrounding area. The landscape holds significance for many people in the region, who have gathered water and forest resources there for generations, showing a deep connection between the community and this place.
The site is located about 6 kilometers south of the town of Talisayan and can be reached via the Mapua Road or the main highway from Cagayan de Oro, which lies about 86 kilometers away. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear for hiking through forest trails and be prepared for wet, uneven paths.
Researchers have documented more than 90 butterfly species at this location, some found only on Mindanao and nowhere else in the world. These insects depend on specific plants in the area as food sources, making the forest a refuge for rare species.
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