Sighting of scrubfowl offers hope for Homonhon Island after grass fires

TACLOBAN CITY — A rare ground-dwelling bird was spotted during a post-fire environmental assessment on historic Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, offering a positive sign of ecological resilience despite recent grass and forest fires that hit parts of the island.

This was disclosed by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in its recent report.

The group, upon the order of Mayor Analiza Gonzales-Kwan, conducted on April 19 a rapid environmental assessment after a series of fires affected upland grasslands in several barangays, namely, Casuguran, Pagbabangnan, Culasi, Canawayan, and Bitaugon to determine the extent of damage and guide rehabilitation efforts.

READ: Air support sought as forest fire ravages Homonhon Island in E. Samar

The team examined the fire’s extent and pattern, documented environmental conditions, and identified potential risks to water sources, vegetation, and coastal areas.

Amid the assessment, the team recorded two Philippine megapode, locally known as the Tabon scrubfowl.

The species is notable for its unusual nesting behavior, burying its eggs in sand or soil and relying on natural heat to incubate them. It typically inhabits beach forests and small islands, making it sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Authorities said the sighting indicates that parts of Homonhon’s ecosystem remain intact, even after the fires, and underscores the island’s continuing environmental value.

The local government urged residents to remain vigilant against activities that could trigger fires and to continue supporting environmental protection efforts. /das