Guimaras Strait a biodiversity site

GUIMARAS – Guimaras Strait is one of the 19 Biodiversity Conservation Sites in Western Visayas identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The strait is part of the 128 key biodiversity areas (KBA) identified in Region 6 and in Central Visayas.

The Guimaras Strait is the body of water separating the island province of Guimaras and Iloilo City. It is a fishing ground for both Guimaras and Iloilo fishers.

The DENR report on the region's biodiversity sites or protected areas was presented recently by Regional Technical Director Arlene Dalawis of the Protected Areas Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS).

In Iloilo, the identified protected areas are the Jalaur River Watershed Forest Reserve; Maasin Watershed Forest Reserve (Maasin) and Bulabog Putian Natural Park (Dingle-San Enrique).

In Antique, the protected areas are Sibalom Natural Park, Dalanas Watershed Forest Reserve and Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park.

Northwest Panay Peninsula Park is between the boundaries of Antique and Aklan.

The Pan-ay River watershed Forest Reserve in Tapaz, Capiz, Aklan Watershed Forest Reserve and Taklong Island National Marine Reserve in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras are also included in the biodiversity conservation sites.

In Negros Occidental, the biodiversity conservation sites are Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park, Sagay Marine Reserve, Northern Negros Natural Park, Bago Watershed Forest Reserve, Ilog Hilabangan Watershed Forest Reserve and Kabankalan Watershed Forest Reserve.
The other important biodiversity sites are the Central Panay Mountains: Madjaas-Baloi Complex (Aklan, Antique, Capiz & Iloilo); Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo; and Boracay Island.

The 19 biodiversity conservation sites or protected areas in the region are home to the 209 globally threatened and 419 endemic species of freshwater species amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. (PNA)