In the rivers and wetlands of Barangay Sta. Filomena in Calanasan, Apayao, hundreds of birds have found a refuge, including species threatened with extinction and others found nowhere else in the world but the Philippines.
A three-day wildlife survey conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cordillera Administrative Region recorded 427 birds belonging to 23 species.
Among the birds documented were the endangered rufous hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax), vulnerable Luzon hornbill (Penelopides manillae) and vulnerable Philippine duck (Anas luzonica).
The three species are classified as threatened wildlife under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09.
But one species stood out in the survey: the Philippine duck, an endemic waterbird that accounted for 322 of the 427 birds recorded.
Its large presence highlights the importance of Sta. Filomena’s wetlands and freshwater ecosystems in supporting bird populations, particularly species that depend on these habitats for survival.
A refuge for rare birds
The survey, spearheaded by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Calanasan, covered four observation sites selected for their favorable habitats and proximity to rivers and wetlands.
These were Mawanan Resort and Casiggaman in Purok 7, and Sinigpit and the Bridge Area in Purok 3. These locations provide habitats for resident birds and migratory waterbirds.
Survey teams documented the species present, assessed their abundance and gathered baseline information that could guide future habitat management and wildlife protection initiatives.
The findings revealed the diversity of birdlife in Sta. Filomena, with the presence of threatened species adding significance to the area’s conservation value.
According to DENR-CENRO Calanasan, the presence of threatened and endemic birds reinforces the need for sustained habitat protection, regular wildlife monitoring and science-based conservation measures.
Such efforts are essential to safeguarding the ecosystems that support these species and ensuring their long-term survival. Conservation meets ecotourism
Beyond its importance as a wildlife habitat, Sta. Filomena is also emerging as a potential destination for nature-based tourism.
The DENR said the area’s bird diversity presents opportunities to develop responsible birdwatching activities that could attract nature enthusiasts while promoting environmental awareness.
Birdwatching and other nature-based activities could also create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities, provided that tourism development does not compromise the habitats supporting the birds.
The survey findings point to the possibility of combining biodiversity conservation with community-based ecotourism, allowing residents to benefit from the area’s natural resources while helping protect them.
Maintaining the integrity of rivers, wetlands and surrounding habitats would be central to such efforts.
Protecting Apayao’s natural heritage
The survey was conducted through a partnership between CENRO Calanasan and the local government of Calanasan.
Their collaboration sought to establish scientific information that could support conservation planning, habitat management and future monitoring activities.
For environmental authorities, the survey provides a clearer picture of Sta. Filomena’s importance as a habitat for threatened and endemic wildlife.
The findings also strengthen the barangay’s recognition as an important biodiversity area in Apayao, where conservation efforts could help protect vulnerable species while opening opportunities for responsible ecotourism.
With 23 bird species documented across four observation sites, Sta. Filomena’s rivers and wetlands have emerged as valuable habitats whose protection will depend on continued cooperation among government agencies, local communities and other conservation stakeholders.