11/01/2022
𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐊
𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 (𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐)
The Philippine Duck, often described as distinctly marked due to its unique appearance, is endemic to the Philippines and can be found mostly in the major islands of Luzon and Mindanao. Feeding on a variety of fish, shrimps, insects, rice and young vegetation, you can find their population occurring in both freshwater and saltwater bodies—inside forests, mangroves and even in the open sea.
Philippine Ducks have been victims of overhunting and trapping. This threat to their population has begun as early as 1960s. Two decades later, hunting these species became prevalent that they were shot weekly during the months of January to March and August to October. Conversion of their natural habitats also contributes to the decline in their population. These factors led to the Philippine Ducks being listed as Vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
Locally known as Tanepol or Papan in Maguindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippine Ducks occur in the Ligawasan Marsh, a wetland found in the Mindanao River Basin. In protected areas in the Philippines, conservation efforts are underway to preserve the species’ population. The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) - BARMM shall support and act on the conservation and protection of threatened wildlife, including the Philippine Duck. Efforts such as surveying of wetland areas, hunting restrictions, and creation of wetland habitat management plan will be fostered to eliminate the threat surrounding the wildlife that rely and survive on the resources provided by our wetlands
Background Photo Courtesy: Community Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Office of Lanao del Sur 2nd District
