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First record of Hooded Cranes in the Philippines

By Anson M. Tagtag and John Berhel Doria

On March 5, 2020, the DENR Region 13 confirmed the presence of seven Hooded cranes (Grus monacha) in Brgy. Libertad, Sta. Monica, Siargao Island, the first record of the species in the country. The sighting was previously reported on February 25, 2020 by Greg Laude, a member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

Hooded cranes are mostly found in grasslands and wetlands of south-central and south-eastern Siberia, Russia. Adult Hooded cranes are one of the smallest cranes in the world. They have dark grey bodies, a white head and neck, and a dark red patch on their forehead. The majority of this species winters in Japan, while smaller numbers head to Korea and Eastern China (Birdlife International). Their global population is estimated to be around 2,500-10,000 individuals and declining due to habitat loss and degradation in their wintering grounds, and categorized as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Mr. Arne Jensen, an ornithologist of Wetlands International-Philippines posited that this group of cranes were likely blown further south by recent strong northeast monsoons.

Authorities of the DENR-CARAGA reiterated to the local communities the need to protect these migratory birds. The Philippines is a member of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species and Wild Animals and thus endeavors to protect migratory species through implementation of its Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act (R.A. 9147).

hooded cranes ph Hooded Cranes in Philippines © Robert Hutchinson

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Three Major Programs

Protected Area Development and Management

This Program covers the main in-situ measures to conserve biodiversity within and adjacent to protected areas pursuant to Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrate Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 as amended by Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS (ENIPAS) Act f 2018. The passage also led to the legislation of additional 94 Protected Areas, making a total of 244 Protected Areas composed of about 7.8M hectares (107 legislated; 13 proclaimed; 124 remaining initial components). It will ensure that the current NIPAS and ENIPAS coverage is rationalized by maintaining and prioritizing those with high biodiversity values while providing appropriate governance regime for the protection of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) such as through Local Conservation Areas (LCAs) with the LGU concerned and through Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs).

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Management of Coastal and Marine Resources/Areas

This program focuses on the sustainable management of coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangrove stands, soft bottom areas (mudflats), plankton community, and water quality of coastal areas. These coastal ecosystems are important in the completion of life cycles of a wide variety of commercially and ecologically important marine life which support livelihood for nearly 60% of Filipinos. Under this Program is the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) pursuant to DENR Administrative Order 2016-26 which aims to achieve the effective management of the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems thereby increasing their ability to provide ecological goods and services to improve the quality of life of the coastal population particularly ensuring food security, climate change resiliency and disaster risk reduction. It also contributes to the achievement of the PDP and PBSAP targets including international commitments such as the Aichi Targets and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 14 – Life below Water).

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Protection and Conservation of Wildlife

This program deals with the conservation and protection of wildlife, and/or maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of their habitats pursuant to Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. Priority activities under this program are the following: (i) Sustainable wildlife resource use; (ii) management of invasive alien species (IAS); and (iii) Enforcement of wildlife laws, rules and regulations which include the operations/mobilization of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units (WTMUs); deputation and mobilization of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs); operations and maintenance of Wildlife Rescue Centers (WRCs); establishment and management of Critical Habitats; and conservation of threatened wildlife species such as, but not limited to, the marine turtle, dugong (Dugong dugon), tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), freshwater and saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus mindorensis; Crocodylus porosus), tarsier (Carlito syrichta), Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), and Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi).

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