Mount Talinis | |
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Mount Talinis
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Elevation | 1,903 m (6,243 ft) [1] |
Location | |
Location | Philippines |
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).
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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]
Cuernos de Negros volcanic complex is popular with visitors for the natural beauty of the forest and many volcanic lakes surrounded by mountains.
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]
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]
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]