Abaga Falls
Encyclopedia
Abaga Falls is a waterfall and ecosystem located approximately 15 km southwest of Iligan City
on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. The height of Abaga Falls is approximately twice that of the more famous Maria Christina falls
also located within the proximity of Iligan City. Unlike Maria Christina falls however, which is fed by the Agus river, the water source for Abaga Falls is the product of several underground springs which flow into the top Abaga falls via several tributaries.
Unlike like the more popular Maria Cristina falls, human access to Abaga Falls is severely limited due to a current lack of regularly maintained roads as well as the fact that a moderate amount of walking is required to reach the base of the falls. Unfortunately, this level of isolation has not protected the ecosystem from damage due to deforestation and over-hunting.
also commonly known as the “monkey-eating eagle, the Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax)
, the endangered Giant golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) which can only be found in the Philippines and the Philippine Flying Lemur (Cynocephalus volans). Many of these animals are either near extinction or in danger of losing their habitats due to human activities.
The Save Abaga Falls group is a grass-roots campaign that was recently founded by a former resident of Abaga Falls now living in the United States. This group is currently in the process of obtaining as much information as possible regarding the current environmental status of the Abaga Falls ecosystem.
Iligan City
The City of Iligan is a highly urbanized industrial city north of the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines, and the province's former capital. It is approximately 795 kilometers southeast of Manila...
on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. The height of Abaga Falls is approximately twice that of the more famous Maria Christina falls
María Cristina Falls
Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes called the "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more...
also located within the proximity of Iligan City. Unlike Maria Christina falls however, which is fed by the Agus river, the water source for Abaga Falls is the product of several underground springs which flow into the top Abaga falls via several tributaries.
Unlike like the more popular Maria Cristina falls, human access to Abaga Falls is severely limited due to a current lack of regularly maintained roads as well as the fact that a moderate amount of walking is required to reach the base of the falls. Unfortunately, this level of isolation has not protected the ecosystem from damage due to deforestation and over-hunting.
Flora and fauna
There are a number of interesting animals that inhabit the area in and around the Abaga Falls. The most notable include; the endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga Jefferyi)Philippine Eagle
The Philippine Eagle , also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle, is an eagle of the family Accipitridae that is endemic to forests in the Philippines. It has brown and white-coloured plumage, and a shaggy crest, and generally measures in length and weighs...
also commonly known as the “monkey-eating eagle, the Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax)
Rufous Hornbill
The Rufous Hornbill , also known as Philippine Hornbill and, locally, as Kalaw is a large species of hornbill.-Distribution and habitat:...
, the endangered Giant golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) which can only be found in the Philippines and the Philippine Flying Lemur (Cynocephalus volans). Many of these animals are either near extinction or in danger of losing their habitats due to human activities.
Conservation Efforts
Unfortunately, there is currently very little being done to help preserve the Abaga Falls area from both man-made and natural distress.The Save Abaga Falls group is a grass-roots campaign that was recently founded by a former resident of Abaga Falls now living in the United States. This group is currently in the process of obtaining as much information as possible regarding the current environmental status of the Abaga Falls ecosystem.