DAVAO REGION, Philippines — The wetlands, rivers, and coastlines of Davao Region once again proved their global ecological value as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Region XI (DENR-XI) recorded 20,620 individual waterbirds from 52 species during the 2026 Asian Waterbird Census (AWC)—including the rare and critically endangered Chinese Crested Tern, one of Asia’s most elusive seabirds.
Conducted from January 3 to 18, 2026, the two-week monitoring effort covered nine key AWC sites across the region, spanning coastal wetlands, river systems, and estuarine habitats in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao City. The activity was spearheaded by DENR-XI through its Conservation and Development Division – Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (CDD-PAMBCS).
A global conservation milestone
Among the most significant findings was the continued presence of the Chinese Crested Tern (Thalasseus bernsteini), often dubbed the “Bird of the Legend.” Once thought to be extinct, the species was rediscovered in the early 2000s and is now believed to have a global population of only about 100 individuals, making every confirmed sighting critical to its survival.
First recorded along the Panabo Coast in 2018, the tern was again confirmed during the 2026 census, with at least two individuals documented in the Panabo–Carmen wetlands. This marks the species’ eighth consecutive year of occurrence in the area—an extraordinary record that highlights the site’s importance as a refuge for one of the world’s rarest seabirds.
Initial observations were reported in December 2025, followed by sightings in January by birders Pete Simpson and Bram Demeulemeester. A separate confirmation was later made by the DENR-CENRO Panabo team on January 28, reinforcing the consistency of the species’ presence. Further monitoring is scheduled in February to strengthen documentation and protection efforts.
Wetlands telling a hopeful story
The Panabo–Carmen Wetlands emerged as the region’s most vibrant bird habitat, posting the highest count at 7,358 individuals. In contrast, the Davao River (Bucana) and Barangay Magnaga in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, recorded the lowest counts, with 84 birds each.
Despite these variations, DENR noted an overall upward trend in bird numbers, a positive indicator of improving habitat suitability for migratory and resident waterbirds. Environmental experts view this as a sign that conservation initiatives, community engagement, and habitat protection measures are beginning to yield tangible ecological gains.
A regional stronghold for migratory birds
Other monitored sites included Cambaleon, Governor Generoso, and Banaybanay in Davao Oriental; Libuganon and Busaon in Davao del Norte; and Malalag and Padada in Davao del Sur—collectively forming a network of vital stopover and wintering grounds along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, one of the world’s most important migratory bird routes.
DENR-XI stressed that the results underscore the urgent need to protect wetlands and coastal ecosystems, which face mounting threats from development, pollution, and climate change.
As the “Bird of the Legend” continues to return year after year, Davao Region’s wetlands stand not just as local natural assets, but as globally significant sanctuaries, carrying hope for endangered species—and a reminder that sustained conservation can still turn the tide for wildlife.