The Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) has reported the discovery of at least three new species of the Philippine songbird Bulbul (Hypsipetes philippinus) within the 340.82-hectare Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP) in the towns of Burauen and La Paz, Leyte.
According to a faunal assessment conducted by the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Bulbul species, locally known as “tagbaya,” were officially documented late last year in collaboration with the Institute of Biology of the University of the Philippines Diliman and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC).
Using the Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System (BAMS), researchers confirmed that these bird species are part of the 97 bird species recorded within MVNP.
Kim Nardo Lumanas, a technical support staff member of PAMO, noted that while the Philippine Bulbul is endemic to the country, the third species—the Yellow-wattled Bulbul (Poliolophus urostictus), locally known as “pago”—was only formally documented last year.
Sightings of the Philippine Bulbul were reported in three forested wetland areas within MVNP: Lake Mahagnao, Lake Malagsum, and Lake Matigbao.
“Some of these bird species are not even known to locals. We need to educate the community so they can help us protect the forest habitats of threatened wildlife within MVNP,” Lumanas said.
He added that key conservation actions include habitat restoration, law enforcement, management of captive and wild populations, research, and conservation education.
Currently, the DENR is supporting the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park Ecotourism Association (MVNPEA) in implementing programs aimed at safeguarding the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Meanwhile, Edgardo Alegre, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Palo, Leyte, which has jurisdiction over MVNP, said that ongoing conservation efforts by the DENR and local communities have helped increase the population of various bird species in the park.
According to the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) in MVNP, several bird species in the area have been classified as critically endangered, including the Philippine Hanging Parrot (Loriculus philippensis), locally known as “kusi” or “colasisi.”
Three other bird species - the Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica), Little Slaty Flycatcher (Ficedula basilanica), and Northern Silvery Kingfisher (Ceyx argentatus) - are listed as vulnerable by the DENR.
The Yellow-breasted Tailorbird (Orthotomus samarensis) has also been identified as a threatened species.
Among the other interesting bird species found within MVNP are the Short-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus striatus), locally known as “uwak-uwak,” and the Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus), a noisy and colorful bird locally referred to as “pok-pok.”
Alegre also emphasized the need to preserve and conserve MVNP’s inland wetlands, which serve as vital sanctuaries for birds.
“Birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and controlling insect populations,” he added.
(With report from PIA Eastern Visayas)
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