427 birds, 3 threatened species recorded in Apayao; Calanasan CENRO says protection needed

CALANASAN, Apayao — Three threatened bird species were recorded among 427 birds documented during a three-day wildlife survey in Barangay Sta. Filomena, highlighting the area’s importance as a habitat for diverse bird populations and the need to strengthen conservation efforts.

The survey, conducted on June 21–23, 2026, recorded 23 bird species across four observation sites: Mawanan Resort and Casiggaman in Purok 7, and Sinigpit and the Bridge Area in Purok 3, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR) in a press release dated October 20.

The threatened species documented were the endangered Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax) and two vulnerable species, the Luzon Hornbill (Penelopides manillae) and Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica), based on DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09.

The Philippine Duck accounted for the highest number of sightings, with 322 individuals recorded.

In an interview with Guru Press on October 20, Dorothy Joy C. Cayaba, officer-in-charge of DENR-CENRO Calanasan, said the survey aimed to document bird species, assess their abundance and establish baseline data to guide conservation, habitat management and future wildlife monitoring.

“The avifaunal survey was conducted on June 21–23, 2026, in line with DENR’s continuing efforts to monitor and conserve avian biodiversity. Its primary objective was to document bird species in the area, assess their abundance, and establish baseline information to support biodiversity conservation, habitat management, and future wildlife monitoring,” Cayaba said.

The survey was led by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Calanasan in partnership with the local government of Calanasan, with support from the Provincial Government of Apayao’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Municipal Tourism Office and the Provincial Green Guards.

Cayaba said protecting the birds requires addressing threats to their habitats, including pollution, human disturbance, unsustainable resource use and climate change.

“Potential threats to bird species and their habitats include habitat degradation, river pollution, and disturbances from human activities, among others. These threats underscore the importance of proactive, community-driven measures to safeguard Sta. Filomena’s bird populations and the ecosystems that sustain them,” she said.

To strengthen conservation efforts, DENR-CAR has proposed finalizing the Sustainable Traditional and Indigenous Forest Resources Management Systems and Practices (STIFRMSP) for Calanasan, with the Indigenous Lapat system serving as a model for integrating traditional knowledge into environmental protection.

Cayaba also said the survey findings could support responsible birdwatching and nature-based ecotourism in Sta. Filomena, provided that wildlife and their habitats remain protected.

“The survey provides baseline scientific information that can guide conservation planning. It also highlights Sta. Filomena’s potential for responsible birdwatching and nature-based ecotourism. Calanasan has an opportunity to demonstrate how biodiversity conservation can go hand in hand with sustainable local development. However, ecotourism must be carefully planned, with appropriate visitor guidelines. Our goal is to ensure that ecotourism creates meaningful opportunities for local communities while keeping biodiversity conservation as the foremost priority. It can also help promote the Cordillera Administrative Region as a center of biodiversity and strengthen public appreciation for the region’s natural heritage,” she said.

The findings highlight the importance of sustained wildlife monitoring and habitat protection to conserve Apayao’s bird populations while exploring opportunities for responsible, community-based ecotourism.