Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Inc.

Aerial shot of Panigan-Tamugan River located at Brgy. Tawan-tawan, Baguio District, Davao City. Panigan-Tamugan watershed is next source of water of Davao City

In indigenous folklore, alimokun, the white-eared brown Philippine dove, is a spirit messenger, a harbinger of doom or fortune. Thus, alimukon sightings is considered an omen. However, for Filipino ornithologists, the alimokun has a more ordinary, albeit highly significant, status because the dove is a Philippine endemic, meaning it can only be found in Philippine watersheds. These birds depend on forested areas for food and shelter. However, like most endemic species, the alimokun’s survival is at stake since its habitat, which is found in forests along the watershed, is fast vanishing due to various threats.

On October 21, 22, and 23, 2022, Bantay Bukid volunteers conducted biodiversity monitoring in Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. For two nights and three days of foot patrolling along a 9.4 km circumferential trail with an elevation from 400 meters above sea level to 1380 masl, the Bantay Bukid sighted and recorded seventy-one (71) species of birds. 

Based on their report, they have noted that out of 71, 34 species are Residents, 32 are Endemic, and five are migratory. Resident birds are non-migrating birds such as Eurasian Tree Sparrow, also known as “Maya” who remain in their home area all year round. Endemic species refers to any species found only within a defined geographical area. On the other hand, a migratory bird or animal travels to a different place, usually when the season changes. 

The Mindanao endemic species found in the watersheds include Giant Scops-Owl, Writhed Hornbill, Mindanao Hornbill, and Cinnamon Ibon. Some of the Philippine endemic bird species that were recorded during the monitoring include the Philippine Hanging Parrot, Philippine Serpent Eagle, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, Philippine Falconet, and White-bellied Flowerpecker. A high number of endemic and diverse species in an area indicate how rich and healthy the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed is. 

Out of 71 species of birds, four (4) were categorized as vulnerable, near threatened, endangered, and critically endangered according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and DENR DAO guidelines. Three are Mindanao Endemic, and the other one is Philippine Endemic.

The Philippine Hanging Parrot, also known as the “kulasisi,” is only found in the Philippines. Although the IUCN Red List lists the bird’s conservation status as “Least Concern,” it is thought that this is incorrect. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) published a new list of critically endangered species in 2019. The kulasisi is included on the list.

Illegal wildlife trade is one of the biggest threats to the species’ existence, and it is believed to have already led the extinction of two subspecies of the Philippine hanging parrot: the Cebu hanging parrot and the Siquijor hanging parrot. It is a favorite of trappers, who readily sell the bird due to its small size and brilliant plumage, which is sought by exotic animal collectors all over the world.

One notable species that were also recorded is the Cinnamon Ibon which is endemic in Mindanao. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane and mossy forests above 1,000 meters. Cinnamon Ibon’s status is least concern in both IUCN and DENR, but if the environmental threats in the upland forest areas will continue to persist, the number of this particular species will most likely decrease. 

With such biodiversity richness, Dabawenyos should do everything they can to protect the watersheds. We should not be complacent in our efforts, or such richness will soon be gone or depleted. 

This existence of several bird species and other wildlife in Panigan-Tamugan Watershed is essential in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change as it keeps the environment in natural balance, making it more resilient and adaptable to external stresses. It also keeps the pest population in check.

But reality check, unregulated development in the watersheds is destroying the forest habitats essential to these threatened species’ survival. Reports from Bantay Bukid showed that several illegal activities, such as clearing forest areas to make way for houses and plantations.

As we celebrate World Wildlife Conservation Day, it’s important that we put emphasis on the urgency of protecting our forest. Interventions such as the strict implementation of environmental policies, monitoring of activities in forest areas, and continuous reforestation program should be in place. Let us also continue to support our Bantay Bukid Volunteers and other stakeholders who are our front liners in protecting and restoring our watershed areas, the habitat of several endemic species.

View the full list of recorded avifauna in PTW here.