Annual Asian Waterbird Census Documents 7,600 Birds Across Zamboanga Wetlands
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced that the annual Asian Waterbird Census recorded an estimated 7,600 individual waterbirds across 11 wetland sites in Zamboanga City and Isabela City, Basilan province. This comprehensive monitoring effort provides crucial data for regional and global conservation initiatives.
Census Conducted Across Multiple Wetland Sites
According to DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula, the census was conducted from January 3 to 18, 2026, covering nine wetland areas in Zamboanga City and two sites in Isabela City. The monitoring was spearheaded by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in Zamboanga City as part of the agency's ongoing commitment to wildlife and wetland conservation.
The specific wetland sites monitored include:
- Zamboanga City: Calarian, Sa-az, Vitali, Victoria, Mampang, Tugbungan, Talon-Talon, Buenavista, and Boalan
- Isabela City: Malamawi and Tabiawan
Diverse Waterbird Species Documented
The census documented a total of 39 waterbird species, including both endemic and migratory birds. This diversity highlights the ecological importance of these wetland habitats as critical stopover points and breeding grounds for various avian species.
The Asian Waterbird Census is an annual monitoring program that spans across Asia and Australasia, designed to assess the status and trends of waterbird populations and their wetland habitats. The data collected provides valuable insights into population sizes and trends, contributing significantly to regional and global bird conservation efforts.
Collaborative Conservation Efforts
The census was conducted through coordinated efforts involving multiple agencies and organizations, including:
- Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) in Zamboanga City
- Isabela City Environment and Natural Resources Management Office
- Isabela City Agriculture Office
- Volunteers and private partners
This collaborative approach demonstrates the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement in environmental monitoring and conservation activities. The annual census serves as a vital tool for tracking changes in waterbird populations and wetland health over time, informing conservation policies and management strategies.
The DENR emphasized that such monitoring activities are essential for protecting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems in the region. The data gathered will support ongoing efforts to preserve these critical wetland habitats for future generations.
