Wildlife use mud volcanoes as “salt licks” where they ingest such minerals as sodium, calcium and trace elements (e.g. elephant lower right). Consequently the tracks of a variety of wildlife species can normally be seen in the drying mud (see cloven hooves & boot, at Lipad Mud Volcano, lower left). The open areas around mud volcanoes provide habitats for a variety of plants that attract insects. These, in turn, attract birds and other predators.
The salty waters of the volcanoes are also home to several species of insect, algae and micro organism that are adapted to this euryhaline environment.
Since the areas around mud volcanoes are open and animals visit them almost every day the mud volcanoes are useful sites for bird and wildlife observation. This can be done from the vantage point of hides in the forest around perimeters of mud volcanoes.
Tabin Wildlife S/B has set up an elevated hide near the Lipad volcano. Dawn and dusk are good times for observation and animals may visit the volcanoes throughout the night. Overnight vigils therefore often reward the observer with wildlife sightings.
