GUIMARAS — More than 2,000 migratory birds representing 38 waterbird species were recorded across Guimaras during the 2026 Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), reinforcing the island province’s role as a key stopover and feeding ground along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF).
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Guimaras (PENRO), through its Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU), conducted the annual census from January 5 to 9, 2026.
Data gathered by the AWC team showed a total of 2,235 individual bird sightings, highlighting Guimaras’ rich coastal and wetland biodiversity. The EAAF spans several countries, including Alaska, Siberia, Mongolia, China, the Philippines, and Australia, and serves as a major migration route for waterbirds.
Among the most widely distributed species observed during the survey were the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida), and Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), which were consistently recorded across various survey sites.
Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla emphasized the broader significance of the census results, noting that the protection of Guimaras’ coastal and wetland areas contributes not only to local biodiversity conservation but also to global efforts to protect migratory birds.
“The AWC emphasizes that the continued protection of Guimaras’ coastal and wetland areas is not merely a local concern but a contribution to global waterbird conservation efforts,” Lorilla said.
He added that the survey forms part of a wider international initiative to monitor wetland ecosystem health and assess the status of migratory bird populations throughout the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
PENRO Guimaras said the 2026 census underscores the importance of consistent monitoring and public support in safeguarding local wildlife. The data collected annually allows the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas (DENR VI) to advocate for policies that balance economic development with environmental conservation.
Officials said the results will help guide future management and conservation plans to ensure Guimaras remains a safe habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife species.
The Asian Waterbird Census is a long-running international program that tracks waterbird populations and wetland health across Asia. By identifying important sites and monitoring population trends, it supports conservation initiatives, raises public awareness, and provides data for national strategies and international agreements aimed at protecting critical habitats for wildlife and local communities./PN
