Calauit

Calauit Island is located in the Calamianes group of islands, Palawan, Philippines. It hosts the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area established in 1977 by presidential proclamation. The sanctuary was created to conserve wildlife and to host an experimental introduction of African fauna on Calauit Island. Among the introduced species were zebras and giraffes, brought with international assistance, notably from Israel, as part of a biodiversity and ecotourism initiative.

The sanctuary spans roughly 3,600 to 3,700 hectares and includes grasslands, scrub forest, and coastal habitats. It is home to native Palawan wildlife such as the Calamian deer, as well as various birds, reptiles, and small mammals. The African animals remain a prominent feature, though conservation efforts emphasize balancing introduced species with the native ecosystem.

Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in coordination with local government units and communities. Access is mainly by boat from nearby towns, with certain areas restricted to protect wildlife. The sanctuary has faced governance and funding challenges, along with community concerns over land use and resource rights, leading to ongoing efforts to improve habitat management and sustainable tourism.