Mount Talinis

Mount Talinis
Mount Talinis Map of the Philippines.
Elevation	1,903 m (6,243 ft) [1]
Location
Location	Philippines
Coordinates	9°15′0″N 123°10′0″E / 9.25°N 123.166667°E / 9.25; 123.166667Coordinates: 9°15′0″N 123°10′0″E / 9.25°N 123.166667°E / 9.25; 123.166667
Geology
Type	Complex volcano
Age of rock	Late Miocene[2]
Volcanic arc/belt	Negros Volcanic Belt
Last eruption	Unknown

Mount Talinis, also known as the Cuernos de Negros (Horns of Negros), is a complex volcano in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. At about 1,903 metres (6,243 ft)^[3][1] above sea level, it is the second highest mountain on Negros Island after Mt. Kanla-on. The volcano is located 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of the municipality of Valencia; and from Dumaguete City, the capital of the province, 20 km (12 mi).

Geology

Cuernos de Negros is classified by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology as a potentially active volcano forming part of the Negros Volcanic Belt. Andesite and basalt are the most abundant rocks found on the mountain. With a base diameter of 36 kilometres (22 mi), the volcanic complex is compose of several volcanic cones and peaks, the most prominent of which are Talinis, Cuernos de Negros, Guinsayawan, Yagumyum Peak and Guintabon Dome.^[4] The mountain range is very fumarolic with several solfataras and steam vents located on its slope that it is harnessed to generate electricity. The Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field in Palinpinon generates 192.5 MW.^[5][6]

Tourism

Cuernos de Negros volcanic complex is popular with visitors for the natural beauty of the forest and many volcanic lakes surrounded by mountains.

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park

Within the volcano complex is the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, a national park established on November 21, 2000 by Proclamation No. 414. It is a most visited park of which the twin crater lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao are located, separated only by a narrow mountain ridge.^[7] Lake Kabalin-an, a smaller lake, is located before the two lakes. All three lakes are located within the Guintabon Caldera.^[8][9]

Hiking Mount Talinis

Mt. Talinis is easily climbed via nature trails that start in Bidjao, Dauin and Aplong, Valencia.^[10][11] Between Mount Yagumyum and main mountain of Cuernos de Negros is Lake Yagumyum and near the summit are the crater lakes, Lake Nailig and Lake Mabilog.^[12]

Biodiversity

The region of Mt. Talinis has a rich biodiversity that is threatened by illegal logging, "kaingin", increased tourist activity and the gradual build-up of houses near its forested areas. The lakes around Mt. Talinis contain freshwater shrimp, snails, carp and tilapia species, and its forest system is home to endemic and rare wildlife. There are 91 tree species, 18 of which are commercially important, including Alphonsea arborea, Elaeocarpus monocera, Pometia pinnata, and Phyllocladus hypophyllus and Tigerwood. Other notable flora include wild orchids, edible berries and, broad-leafed tree ferns.

Common fauna include boars, civets, chickens, pigeons, monkeys, sunbirds, monitor lizards, Bar-bellied Cuckoo-shrikes, Leopard cats, and the brown weaver ant. Some of the endangered and rare animals are Tarictic Hornbills, Philippine Spotted Deers, Visayan Warty Pigs, Philippine Tube-nosed Fruit Bats, and Negros Bleeding-hearts.^[13]

See also

• Active volcanos in the Philippines
• Potentially active volcanos in the Philippines
• Inactive volcanos in the Philippines
• Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
• Lakes in the Philippines

External links

• Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Cuernos de Negros Page
• Cuernos de Negros on Global Volcanism Program
• Hiking Mt. Talinis from Pinoy Mountaineer: Guide to Hiking in the Philippines

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Mountaineering Page from geocities
2. ^ Taylor, Brian and Naitland, James Preston. "Active margins and marginal basins of western Pacific", p.119. American Geophysical Union, Washington DC, 1995.
3. ^ Dumaguete City Info
4. ^ "Cuernos de Negros Synonyms and Subfeatures". Global Volcanism Program. Retrieved on 2011-08-07.
5. ^ "Geothermal Projects - Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field (SNGPF)". Energy Development Corporation. Retrieved on 2011-08-07.
6. ^ "Plant Profile - Palinpinon Geothermal Power Plant". PSALM Philippines. Retrieved on 2011-08-07.
7. ^ geocities.com, MT TALINIS (CUERNOS DE NEGROS)
8. ^ "Protected Area in Region 7". Philippine Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. Retrieved on 2011-08-08.
9. ^ (2009-11-20). "Indulge in the Charm of Negros Oriental". Weekend Haven. Retrieved on 2011-08-07.
10. ^ negroschronicle.com, Mount Talinis of Valencia
11. ^ negrosanon.org, Lakes Yagumyum & Nailig in Mt. Talinis
12. ^ (2009-06-05). "Mt. Talinis/Bediao-Apolong Traverse to Casaroro Falls (1,903+)". Pinoy Mountaineer. Retrieved on 2011-08-08.
13. ^ gmanews.tv/story, "The Birth of Wonders" and "Dumaguete Diaries"