Apo–Talomo Mountain range


The Apo–Talomo Range is a mountain range in the provinces of Davao del Sur and Cotabato on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. The range contains the country's highest peak, Mount Apo, which rises to an elevation of. Mount Talomo, standing at, is one of the top 15 highest mountains in the Philippines.
The range extends approximately 70 kilometers north-south and 26 kilometers east-west, covering an area of around 1,270 square kilometers.

Peaks

List of major peaks within the range by elevation:

Biodiversity

The Apo–Talomo Mountain Range is a significant biodiversity hotspot. The Mount Apo Natural Park, which encompasses the range, is home to over 800 vascular plant species, many of which are endemic to Mindanao. The area features diverse habitats ranging from lowland dipterocarp forests to mossy montane forests and summit grasslands.
The range is a critical habitat for the critically endangered Philippine eagle, which nests in the park's old-growth forests. Other notable fauna include the Philippine warty pig, Mindanao brown deer, and various endemic bird species such as the Apo sunbird and the Bagobo babbler.

Hydrological features

The range serves as a vital headwaters catchment area for several major river systems in the region. Mount Talomo provides water for the Panigan and Tamugan Rivers, which are major tributaries of the Davao River system. The Talomo River flows directly into the Davao Gulf. These water sources are essential for the agricultural and domestic needs of Davao City and surrounding municipalities.

Conservation and culture

The range is primarily protected under the Mount Apo Natural Park, established to conserve its unique ecosystems. It is also recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park. Despite its protected status, the range faces threats from illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, and unregulated tourism.
The Apo–Talomo range is considered sacred ground by various indigenous groups, including the Manobo, Bagobo, Ubo, Jangan, and Tagabawa tribes, who regard Mount Apo as their ancestral home and "grandfather" of all mountains.