DENR identifies environmental hotspots in WV
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI identified environmental hotspots in the region, as among the major thrusts of the department focusing on biodiversity conservation.
The forest of Northwest Panay Peninsula found within the municipal boundaries of Nabas, Malay and Buruanga in the Province of Aklan and Libertad and Pandan in the Province of Antique, is considered as one of the last remaining original vegetation in the island. It is also considered as the last low-elevation dipterocarp forest in Negros and Panay region.
Inspite of its environmental richness and diversity, there are major threats identified that need to be addressed in order to save it from total destruction. These are: ecotourism, minor forest products extraction, and mining. These also include endangered flora and fauna due to human destructiveness, rampant encroachment by hunters and loggers.
Animal species endemic to west-central Visayas like the Visayan Warty Pig, Visayan Spotted Deer, writhed-billed hornbill and the Negros bleeding heart pigeon are not spared from the threat.
Another environmental hotspot identified is the Central Panay Mountain Range, which is considered as “high potential” area in bird tourism industry. With the presence of its endemic flora and fauna, it is also one of the 117 key conservation sites in the country recognized as an Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and home to 10 species of endemic birds.
The Central Panay Mountain Range covers Madjaas-Baloi Complex. It harbors many threatened birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and trees. These are the Visayan Warty Pig, Visayan Spotted Deer, Panay Bushy-Tailed Cloud Rat, Tarictic Hornbill and Walden’s Hornbill, the Negros Bleeding-heart Pigeon, Philippine Naked-backed Fruit Bat, and the rare giant flower, the Rafflesia preciosa.
DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Julian D. Amador appeals to the community leaders and stakeholders near the identified Protected Areas, to help the DENR by being vigilant against forest perpetrators. “Let us all unite in protecting these Protected Areas and all the biodiversity thereat”, Amador said.
