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| The amazing Philippine Eagle-Owl at Negros Forest. |
Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center, often called "Negros Forest", is an ecological area located on the south side of the Capital Lagoon (across the street) in Bacolod City. The location is inside a marked gate and is open from Monday to Saturday, except holidays.
The cost of admission to Negros Forest is 20 pesos per adult and 10 pesos per child under 4 feet tall. You'll find the admissions area just to the right. The door is usually open, so just walk in.
The ecological area consists of trees and other plants native to Negros along with many fantastic animals found in the region. Sadly, many of the animals and plants are endangered or vulnerable due to logging and other deforestation due to commercial and agricultural expansion. In one of the pictures at the end of the article you'll see how virtually all of the Negros forest has now been destroyed.
The destruction of the forest not only harms the animals and plants, but it also causes the entire island to become warmer. As well, since many of the birds and bats help with pollination and help control the mosquito population, the deforestation has inadvertently hurt small farmers and have likely helped spread dengue.
With this being said, the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center is an excellent tourist destination. We spent about an hour looking at the various animals and plants, and, frankly, we were amazed. For only 20 pesos, it's a steal.
As well, the money given to visit this fantastic attraction goes to a good cause: conservation!
