Thumb Peak (Palawan)

Thumb Peak is a small mountain in central Palawan, Philippines, and is the highest point in the Thumb Range. Like Mount Mantalingahan and Mount Victoria further south, Thumb Peak is part of the Mount Beaufort Ultramafics geological area, a series of ultramafic outcrops of Eocene origin that emerge in various parts of the island.[1]

Thumb Peak
Thumb Peak as seen from Puerto Princesa, 9 July 2007
Highest point
Elevation1,296 m (4,252 ft)
Prominence1,296 m (4,252 ft) 
Coordinates9°47′55.4″N 118°36′20.4″E 
Geography
Thumb Peak
Location within the Philippines
LocationPalawan
CountryPhilippines
RegionMimaropa
ProvincePalawan
Parent rangeThumb Range

The mountain was formerly known as Mount Pulgar, a name it acquired during the Spanish Colonial period. Pulgar, means thumb in Spanish, and the name was probably translated directly to English following the ousting of Spain during the Spanish–American War. The name may have arisen as a result of the mountain's profile, which vaguely resembles the tip of a thumb protruding from a clenched fist.

The upper reaches of Thumb Peak are populated by species associated with ultramafic soils, including a number of endemics, such as the tropical pitcher plant Nepenthes deaniana, rediscovered on the mountain in 2007 for the first time since its description in 1908.[2][3]

Hiking activity

Thumb Peak is accessible from the Iwahig Penal Colony as a 2–3 day hike, graded Difficulty 7/9 by local mountaineering website PinoyMountaineer.com. Highlights of the trail include river crossings, trekking through dense forests, and beautiful views at the summit. A permit is required to climb the mountain.[4]

References
  1. Okubo, Y. 1989. The Mineral Exploration – Mineral Deposits and Tectonics of Two Contrasting Geologic Environments in the Republic of the Philippines – Consolidated Report on Palawan Area. Japan International Cooperation Agency, Metal Mining Agency of Japan and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Philippines) Joint Committee. 182 pp.
  2. The Type Form of Nepenthes deaniana
  3. Macfarlane, J.M. 1908. Nepenthaceae. In: A. Engler Das Pflanzenreich IV, III, Heft 36: 1–91.
  4. Lasco, Gideon (29 May 2011), PinoyMountaineer: Mount Thumbpeak, retrieved 2011-05-29


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