SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines — After five years of absence, a pair of Philippine Falconets (Microhierax erythrogenys) has been sighted once again within the Allah Valley Protected Landscape (AVPL), marking a hopeful sign for biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.
The Protected Area Management Office of the AVPL (PAMO-AVPL), in partnership with the Conservation and Development Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12, documented the rare birds during a recent biodiversity field survey.
The Philippine Falconet, the smallest raptor species in the country, measures only 15 to 18 centimeters long and weighs around 37 to 53 grams. Despite its tiny size, it is a skilled hunter, feeding mainly on insects and small vertebrates. The bird is endemic to the Philippines and is often seen perched on exposed branches of tall trees, especially near rivers and forest edges.
According to BirdLife International (2025), the species is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but its population is declining due to habitat loss and forest degradation. With a medium dependency on forest habitats, the falconet is vulnerable to deforestation and land conversion, both of which continue to threaten forest ecosystems in Mindanao.
“Raptors like the Philippine Falconet are key indicators of a healthy environment,” said a PAMO-AVPL biologist involved in the survey. “Their presence suggests that portions of the forest ecosystem remain intact and capable of supporting diverse wildlife.”
Birds of prey play an essential ecological role by controlling populations of smaller animals and insects, helping maintain balance within natural ecosystems. The reappearance of the Philippine Falconet in AVPL is therefore seen as a positive reflection of ongoing conservation efforts within the protected area.
The sighting also underscores the importance of maintaining Protected Areas (PAs) as sanctuaries for wildlife. AVPL, one of South Cotabato’s major conservation zones, continues to serve as a safe haven for endemic and threatened species amid pressures from land use and human activities.
PAMO-AVPL has vowed to intensify its biodiversity monitoring and habitat protection initiatives, working closely with government agencies, local government units, and nearby communities. These sustained efforts aim to preserve the region’s rich biodiversity and ensure that species like the Philippine Falconet continue to find refuge within the lush forests of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape.