Wildlife Sanctuaries in Bicol, Philippines
By Danny O. Calleja
There are about 5,000 species of birds in at least three wildlife sanctuaries in Bicol and the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) over the week warned the public against catching, inflicting injuries or destroying their habitat particularly in protected areas.
Anybody caught doing this would be criminally charged for violating Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 that provides for imprisonment up to 12 years and fine of up to P1 million for those who will be found guilty, according to PAWB regional technical director for Bicol Felix Mendoza here.
In the latest Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) conducted by bird experts from the PAWB in the region, Mendoza said around 3,895 birds including Philippine ducks and 10 migratory varieties were noted along the shorelines and wetlands of Cabusao, Camarines Sur alone.
The Census is conducted from October until January and forms part of the global census for migratory birds seeking warmer refuge during the winter time in wetlands and coastal sites across the Americas, Africa and Asia.
The count is undertaken by field personnel from the PAWB who have undergone capability enhancement on waterbirds identification, Mendoza said.