Antique’s wetlands home to various migratory birds
SAN JOSE, Antique – Antique’s wetlands is home to more than 5,000 migratory birds who come by to enjoy the tropical climate, said John Temana, Information Officer, of DENR.
In a survey conducted during the Annual Asian Waterbird Census 2009, cattle egret has the biggest population with 4, 131, followed by the common sandpiper with 610. Other spieces include pacific golden plover, little egret, intermediate egret, tirek sandpiper, snowy kentish plover, green shank, ring plover, black winged stilt, barred rail, little green heron and bittern.
According to Vivian B. Develos, Forester of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Annual Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2009 was conducted in the wetlands of Antique on January 20-23, 2009, a time where migratory birds are on its peak.
Among the wetland sites in Antique that have been frequently visited by migratory birds are, ricefields, fishponds, swamps among others in the towns of Hamtic, San Jose, Sibalom, Bugasong and Culasi, Develos noted.
Temana also said that AWC is part of the wetland and waterbird monitoring to keep the Philippines free of Bird Flu.
Meanwhile, wetlands play important role in our ecosystem. Wetlands include reefs flats and seagrass beds in coastal areas, mudflats, mangroves, estuaries, rivers, freshwater marshes, swamp forests, saline marshes and lakes. It is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, and is a vital feeding and breeding habitat for migratory birds, DENR noted.
Wetlands are sources of fresh water and food, helps regulate floodwater as well as the intrusion of saline water, prevents soil erosion, retains sediments and nutrients in soil, sources of energy (hydro-electric, firewood and peat), provides water transport, and serves as habitat of plants and animals. (PS Mabaquiao/PIA)