Biodiversity park in Davao discovers return of 36 bird species

A total of 36 bird species—a number of which are considered endangered—have been recently identified living at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, reinforcing the park’s status as a thriving outdoor biodiversity preserve that is also one of the country’s few nesting sites for hawksbill turtles.

This initial discovery, made by members of the Davao Wild Bird Photographers group and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) following Philippine Eagle Week (June 4 to 12), revealed the existence of 36 bird species in the park.

Two prominent species discovered include the endangered Spotted Imperial Pigeon (Ducula Carola) and the Brown Noddy (Anos Stolidus). The Spotted Imperial Pigeon is said to be endemic or native to the Philippines, while the Brown Noddy has never been spotted in Davao City before. All 36 species have been properly identified and validated with the assistance of PEF.

“We believe creating a #BetterWorld involves creating a sustainable environment for nature to thrive. We will strive to ensure our feathered friends will continue to call the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park their home for years to come,” Sonny Carpio, Aboitiz Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said.

The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park is a joint BetterWorld initiative of the Aboitiz Foundation and Davao Light, the country’s second-largest private electric distribution utility in terms of land area that showcases urban-based habitat conservation and biodiversity management. It is located in Punta Dumalag, one of the few identified nesting sites of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (pawikan) as well as 66 other species.

Earlier this year, the Aboitiz Foundation stepped up its conservation campaign with “#BetterWorld for the Pawikans,” a drive to raise funds for the protection and preservation of the hawksbill turtle in Punta Dumalag, one of the last few remaining natural habitats for this turtle specie. This fundraising will not only secure the sanctuary for the hawksbill turtles but also spread greater public awareness on how everyone can help ensure its survival amid climate change and environmental degradation. (pr)