Island Creatures
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:55:00 09/06/2008
Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Regional authorities
MANILA, Philippines – According to the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc., Danjugan Island hosts:
* 70 bird species, both residents and migrants. A nesting pair of White-breasted Sea eagles (Heliatus leucogaster) has been breeding atop Typhoon Beach Camp since 1974. Tabon scrub fowls (Mega-podius cumingi) are common in the camp, as well as in the 5th Lagoon.
* At least nine bat species (six fruit bats and three insect-eating bats).
* 22 butterfly species. One species (Pachliopta phlegon) was recorded for the first time in Negros Occidental.
* 17 species of mangroves.
* 572 fish species from 139 genera. Commercially important species, such as the snapper (Lutjanidae), grouper (Serranidae) and emperors (Lethrinidae). Giant Manta Ray (Manta birotris), Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and whale sharks (Rhincodon typus).
* 244 sclerectinians (hard corals) in the coral reefs.
* 8 species of seagrass (five species of Family Potamgetonaceae and three species of Family Hydrocharitaceae).
* 74 microalgae species from the Cholorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodo-phyta divisions.
* 13 echinoderms species in intertidal areas belonging to Asteroidea (starfish) 2 spp., Echinoidea (sea urchins) 7 spp., Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) 3 spp., and Ophiuroidea (brittlestars) 1 sp.
* 27 species of Nudibranchs (Opisthobranchia nudibranchia doridacea).
*Commercially important marine invertebrates, such as the giant clams (Tridacna crocea, T. squamosa and Hippopus hippopus). A restocking program for the endangered Tridacna gigas is being implemented in collaboration with the University of the Philippines; Marine Science Institute. The T. gigas were observed from 1974 to 1980.
* Other commercially important invertebrates, such as the abalone (Haliotis asinine) and the spiny lobster (Panulirus spp). The endangered coconut crab Birgus latro are still found in the coastal and mangrove forests.
* The western beaches are known nesting sites of the Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green (Chelonia mydas) turtles.
* Dugong and dolphins in the municipal waters of Cauayan that is a migration path of whales.
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