Migratory
birds visit Antique’s wetlands
SAN JOSE, Antique – Every year, migratory
birds from different parts of the world visit Antique’s
wetlands because of the tropical climate conducive for molting,
feeding and breeding.
The recent Asian Waterbird Census result showed that a total
of 4,532 waterbird species were seen visiting this province’s
vast wetlands.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) Information Officer Beverly Lyneth Salvan said the
migratory birds were classified into seventeen species.
Among the migratory birds identified are Cinnamon
and Yellow Bittern, Little and Cattle Egret, Barred Tail,
Pacific Golden, Kentish and Little Ringed Plover, unidentified
Shorebirds, Egret, Terns and Spoonbills, Common and Terek
Sandpiper, Striated Heron, and Black Winged Stilt.
Cattle Egret has the highest population of 3,381 from different
migratory sites in the province. The greatest concentration
was counted in Brgy. Lipata, Culasi. Other sites visited are
swamps and fishponds in the villages of Hamtic.
Salvan, however, said that this year’s
bird count reduced by 602 from last year’s total of
5,134.
The decrease in number of migratory birds
may be due to dry ponds and rice paddies, which prompted them
to transfer their roasting place and feeding grounds, she
explained.
The Asian Waterbird Census is an annual event
that takes place every second and third week of January to
monitor the population of migratory birds and keep the country
free of bird flu.
In line with the celebration of World Wetlands
Day this February, the DENR is advocating for the preservation
of wetlands like swamps, rice fields, mangrove forest, marshlands,
rivers, lakes, and aquaculture ponds, among others, not just
for migratory birds but also for the maintenance of the environmental
health of the country and the survival of mankind, said John
Temana, information officer of CENRO-Culasi.
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems
in the world, comparable to rainforest and coral reefs. They
have been called “cradles of biodiversity” supporting
a rich variety of species. Many birds, mammals, reptiles,
amphibians, fished, invertebrates are found in wetlands, as
well as numerous plants, including rice, the staple food of
about half the world’s population. (PS Mabaquiao/PIA/PN)
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