ANTIQUE – The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) here has stepped up conservation efforts to protect the “dulungan” population as Antique’s provincial bird.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed an ordinance declaring the dulungan, or the rufous-headed hornbill, as the official provincial bird and designating the month of August as Dulungan Month.
Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Officer Ma. Vivian T. Marfil, during the PIA Antique program “Pagpaathag”, shared the concerted efforts in conserving the dulungan population in partnership with non-government organizations such as the Haribon Foundation and Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc., and local government units.
She noted that dulungan, considered endemic to the Philippines, particularly in Western Visayas, is now critically endangered, with its population steadily decreasing.
The celebration of dulungan month highlights the conservation efforts and initiatives of the local government and partner agencies to keep the population increasing by sustaining its habitat.
Provincial ENR Assistant Department Head Joey P. Pon-an also explained that dulungan used to live in thick forests and prefers areas with abundant fruit-bearing trees for feeding and large trees for nesting.
The breeding season is usually during the month of August.
Likewise, Marfil cited the ecological role of the dulungan in sustaining biodiversity, being known as “farmers of the forest,” as these hornbills help regenerate forests by dispersing seeds of native species or fruits that they consume.
This natural process helps maintain biodiversity and supports forest restoration, especially in elevated areas where reforestation programs have limited access.
Meanwhile, a dulungan count was initiated in 12 municipalities as part of the campaign to protect and restore forest areas, conserve their habitat, and secure their food sources.
Also, a tree planting activity was facilitated by PENRO in San Remigio town, one of the areas with sightings of the dulungan population.
PENRO emphasized that Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, prohibits the captivity of the dulungan or being captured as pets. (PIA)
