DENR Bicol holds census of migratory birds in CamSur critical habitat

Wildlife and Habitat

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol, through its Protected Areas Wildlife Division (PAWD), has started since January 11 the Asian Waterbirds Census (AWC) at the Cabusao Critical Habitat in Camarines Sur.

DENR Bicol regional executive director Gilbert Gonzales said the annual census of migratory birds helps in the local monitoring and conservation efforts in relation to global monitoring by ascertaining the trends of migratory cycle.

The census will last up to three weeks.

“These migratory birds are from various parts of the world and cover tens of thousands kilometers just to visit our place as part of their migratory cycle. For this reason, it is our responsibility to monitor them and provide data for national coordinators who in turn will submit these to the AWC,” he explained.

Gonzales said more than 8,500 waterbirds were monitored last year in the Cabusao Critical Habitat.

“Northern Shoveller, Philippine Duck, Northern Pintail, Pacific Golden Plover and other shorebirds were among the most observed species are the,” he added.

A report from PAWD revealed that taxonomically, the family Anatidae, which include the marsh ducks, is the most numerous followed by the egret species.

The AWC was initiated in 1987 in India subcontinent and has grown since to cover the Asia-Pacific region (MAL/JSBasanta-DENR5/PIA5)
Source: Philippine Information Agency (Bicol)