Rare Cloud Rat ‘Boot’ reappears in Balbalasang, Balbalan after 10 Years since last sighting

Banao, Balbalan – After a decade of absence in the treetops of northern Luzon, particularly in Banao Tribe, Balbalan, the rare cloud rat locally known as “boot” has been sighted once more in the forests of the Banao Protected Landscape (BPL), marking its first confirmed appearance in 10 years.

The rare cloud rat was featured during the documentation of GMA Network’s wildlife program Born to Be Wild (BTBW), whose team traveled deep into the forests of Banao. The episode aired on December 14, 2025.

According to BPL Local Forest Ranger and Ecosystem Management Specialist I Derek A. Laoing, in an interview with BTBW host Dr. Nielsen Donato, the cloud rat had not been seen since 2015 despite repeated monitoring of its known habitat.

“Noong 2015 pa huling nakita kaya hinanap-hanap namin yung lungga niya. Sa tagal ng panahon parang wala na yung puno—na-decompose at natumba na siguro dahil sa bagyo,” Laoing said.

While the team did not encounter the original target species, a Luzon Giant Cloud Rat was sighted instead. Donato noted that the Banao cloud rat stood out for its beauty and distinct appearance compared to other Luzon giant cloud rats.

“Yung likod niya may black and gray na stripe. Eto ang kalahi ng hinahanap naming bushy-tailed cloud rat. Wow! We didn’t see the bushy-tailed pero ito napakaganda—kakaiba sa mga ibang Luzon Giant cloud rat. Mas maiksi ang fur o buhok nito kumpara sa bushy-tailed. Mas nakikita rin ito sa mas mababang parte ng bundok. Mukha siyang panda,” Donato added.

The Rare Cloud Rat ‘Boot’

The Bushy-Tailed Cloud Rat, known for its thick fur, long incisors, and extremely shy nature, is considered one of the largest cloud rat species in the Philippines and is classified as endangered. It is a tree-dwelling mammal that thrives in dense forest canopies, making encounters in the wild exceptionally rare.

On the other hand, the Luzon Giant Cloud Rat, as described by Donato, has black and gray stripes and shorter fur, distinguishing it from the bushy-tailed species. It typically inhabits lower portions of mountains, and its gray, panda-like appearance matches its tree-dwelling nature.

Meanwhile, while Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are allowed to hunt under existing laws for personal consumption, authorities continue to urge responsible and regulated practices to protect wildlife species.

The episode is expected to draw national attention to the need to safeguard not only Kalinga’s forests but also the country’s wildlife, strengthening conservation efforts for lesser-known ecosystems.

There are at least two mammal species in Balbalan’s forests that are officially classified as endangered by international conservation standards. These include the Luzon pygmy fruit bat, a rare bat species found in the forest, and the Luzon bushy-tailed cloud rat, a rare rodent dependent on intact forest habitat. Their presence highlights the ecological importance of Balbalan’s old-growth forests and underscores the need for continued conservation efforts in the area.