DENR-ERDB calls for preservation and conservation of endangered species at a Baguio research center

Baguio City, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB) is calling for the preservation and conservation of threatened species found at the Department of Agriculture- Cordillera (DA-CAR) Baguio Animal Breeding Research Center (BABRC), formerly named Baguio Dairy Farm.

During the biodiversity assessment presentation of the Watershed & Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC) under the DENR-ERDB, they were able to discover a critically endangered avifauna and at least six threatened floral species present at the BABRC.

These floras include jade vine, tree fern, deguai, kalingag, wild rose, and Philippine Oak. The critically vanishing Philippine Hanging Parrot or Colasisi was also being spotted in the place.

DENR-ERDB-WRRDEC Senior Science Research Specialist Rej Winlove Bungalong, in the assessment meeting, said the repopulation of the identified threatened species should be given priority on the rehabilitation initiatives in place at BABRC. He added that the DENR is ready to assist in the technical aspect of replanting said trees.

Meanwhile, the result of the stratified random sampling study being done in the area shows that Benguet Pine, together with the coffee Arabica, dominates the tree flora species exist in said research center. Malatibig, Anitap, Daha and Anabiong are also among the trees found in the vicinity.

There were also 23 avifauna identified of which 52% are endemic such as the elegant tit, red crossbill, Philippine pygmy woodpecker and Philippine bulbul. They were also able to collect some 1007 species of arthropods like the hemiptera, commonly called true bugs.

Bungalong said they will do a continuous biodiversity monitoring and protection of endangered species in the forest conservation zone.

"BABRC is already under the forest conservation area. The important thing to do is to conduct continuous biodiversity monitoring and protection of the threatened species with DENR," said Bungalong.

Moreover, BABRC Chief Robert Domoguen expressed his appreciation with the conduct of said assessment as it provided them with knowledge on biodiversity, which shall guide them in formulation of appropriate programs and policies to be implemented at BABRC.

“This activity seeks to evolve and share information and knowledge on biodiversity to guide us in the formulation of appropriate policies, projects and activities on agri-ecotourism including conservation at BABRC,” said Domoguen.

Field Operations Division Virginia Tapat, who also present at the said meeting, expressed hope ‘that this will be the beginning of a collaborative work between DA-CAR and DENR-CAR in a comprehensive assessment of biodiversity at BABRC.’

"This will also capacitate our researchers to expand their horizon, not just in agriculture but also in our environment and natural resources,'' she said.

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