World · Philippines Bureau
Rare Philippine duck, giant flying fox found in Masbate mangroves
A vulnerable Philippine duck and a critically endangered golden-crowned flying fox have been documented in coastal wetlands of Masbate province, marking significant wildlife discoveries in the region's mangrove habitats.
LSN Philippines ·
SAN PASCUAL, Masbate — Conservation officials have recorded sightings of two notable wildlife species in the mangrove and coastal areas of Barangay Halabangbaybay, underscoring the ecological importance of San Pascual's natural habitats.
The Philippine duck, classified as vulnerable under international conservation standards, and the giant golden-crowned flying fox, rated critically endangered, were among species documented during the second-semester Biodiversity Monitoring System survey conducted by the Protected Area Management Office of Bongsanglay Natural Park.
The findings highlight the region's role as a refuge for threatened species and point to the need for continued habitat protection. Mangrove ecosystems in Masbate serve as crucial breeding and feeding grounds for numerous wildlife species, many of which face declining populations due to habitat loss and environmental pressures.
The survey results are expected to inform conservation strategies and management decisions for the protected area. Officials have indicated the monitoring program will continue tracking wildlife populations and ecosystem health in the region.