PENRO Guimaras’ Asian Waterbird Census Records 38 Species and Over 2,000 Migratory Birds

Jordan, Guimaras- Thousands of migratory birds flocked to the island province of Guimaras, famed for its sweet mangoes, the Annual Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) for 2026, a vital initiative conducted across Guimaras from January 5 to 9, 2026, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Guimaras’ Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU) has successfully recorded the influx of migratory birds.

The AWC team has recorded a diverse population of 38 distinct waterbird species, totaling 2,235 individual sightings. The data shows the rich biodiversity
Guimaras has to offer, and highlights its role as a key stopover and feeding ground for various migratory birds flying the Eastern Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). The EAAF
includes the following countries: Alaska, Siberia, Mongolia, China, Australia, the Philippines among others.

Among the sightings documented were the following: the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida), and Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), which emerged as the most widely distributed species, appearing consistently across the various survey areas.

“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,” said Regional Executive Director (RED) Raul L. Lorilla.

“This survey serves as an important component of a larger international effort to monitor the health of wetland ecosystems and the status of migratory bird populations throughout the East Asian-Australasian Flyway,” he added.

The 2026 census shows why consistent monitoring and public support are vital for protecting local wildlife. By tracking annually, DENR VI can use the data gathered to advocate for policies that balance economic growth with nature conservation.

Ultimately, these results will help guide future management plans to ensure Guimaras remains a haven for birds and other species.

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) tracks bird numbers and wetland health across Asia to guide conservation. By identifying important sites and monitoring trends, it helps raise awareness and supports global agreements to protect essential habitats for both wildlife and local communities.

Its relevance focuses on bird population monitoring, serves as a wetland health indicator, brings conservational support, and contributes to global monitoring involving thousands of volunteers, raising public awareness, and provides data for international conventions and national strategies, which influence policy and management decisions for wetlands and migratory birds./DENR6