SAN PASCUAL: A vulnerable Philippine duck and a critically endangered giant golden-crowned flying fox were among the wildlife species documented in mangrove and coastal habitats in San Pascual, Masbate.
The sightings were recorded during the second-semester Biodiversity Monitoring System survey in Barangay Halabangbaybay by the Protected Area Management Office of Bongsanglay Natural Park and Ticao Burias Pass Protected Seascape, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol said.
The Philippine duck (Anas luzonica), an endemic species, is classified as vulnerable under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09. The giant golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus), also endemic to the Philippines, is classified as critically endangered under the same order.
The monitoring also recorded the Eurasian whimbrel and grey-tailed tattler, both migratory shorebirds, as well as the striated heron, little egret, collared kingfisher, Pacific swallow, garden sunbird, Philippine bulbul, coleto, large-billed crow and Eurasian tree sparrow.
DENR Bicol said the presence of resident, endemic, threatened and migratory species underscores the ecological importance of the area as a feeding, roosting, breeding and stopover habitat.
The agency said the findings also highlight the role of mangrove ecosystems in supporting biodiversity within the protected area.
The monitoring was conducted to document the status of flora and fauna, assess the condition of the mangrove ecosystem and generate scientific data for conservation and management measures.
DENR Bicol said it would continue biodiversity assessments and habitat protection efforts with partner agencies, local government units and coastal communities in the Ticao Burias Pass Protected Seascape. - Inquirer/ANN
