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[av_heading heading=’‘Presence of barn swallows indicates healthy biodiversity’’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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Friday, April 7, 2017
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Barn swallows, locally known as salimbabatang, are perched on electrical wires in Barangay Poblacion, Banga, Aklan. DENR
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KALIBO, Aklan – That salimbabatang, or barn swallows, flock to the municipality of Banga indicates a healthy biodiversity, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Some locals expressed concern, especially on their health, with the recent flocking of thousands of barn swallows in Barangay Poblacion.
Barn swallows normally use man-made structures, such as electrical wires and posts, to breed, the DENR said. “Being insectivores, barn swallows are considered beneficial to the agriculture sector.”
The appearance of the wildlife species is a “blessing” as this could make Banga a bird-watching site for tourists and bird enthusiasts, and thus boost the town’s tourism, said the Environment department.
The DENR also warned the public against harming the birds, which is prohibited under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Meanwhile the provincial veterinarian allayed fears of the diseases the salimbabatang may possibly bring.
Barn swallows are not migratory but endemic, so it is unlikely for these birds to carry avian flu, for instance, Dr. Cyrosa Leen Mabel Sinel said.
But Sinel warned that waste matter from the birds may cause bacterial diseases.
She said the birds may be roosting on electric wires and lampposts because they were displaced by the cutting down of big trees near the public plaza. (PIA/PN)
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