Assessing Biodiversity and Investigating Threats to Resident and Migratory Bird Species in the Wetlands of Brgy. Buayan, General Santos City

This study, which was carried out in five migratory bird hotspots in Barangay Buayan, General Santos City, aimed to assess the biodiversity/conservation status of resident and migratory birds and identify threats to them and their wetlands habitats. Results revealed the presence of 129 bird species belonging to 43 families, 64% of which were migratory and 36% were endemic in Mindanao. Of this number, four species Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Java Sparrow (Padda oryzivora), Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris) and Spotted Greenshank (Tringa guttifer), were listed as endangered by IUCN. As for the bird populations, conclusive findings cannot be put forward owing to the fragmented nature of data obtained. In terms of wetlands utilization, the respondents emphasized its importance as a food and livelihood source and identified indiscriminate garbage dumping, toxic pollution and human encroachment as the most pressing problems of the Buayan wetlands today. Furthermore, conversations with locals revealed a high level of awareness about the importance of the wetlands and the birds that inhabit these areas, with all of them indicating their willingness to take part in conservation initiatives. Finally, along with this study, a draft ordinance will be proposed to the local legislative body of General Santos. This will be aimed at designating specific areas within Barangay Buayan as official bird-watching zones and at conserving migratory birds and their crucial ecological roles. This proposed piece of legislation is envisaged to raise awareness, implement sustainable practices, and enforce regulations to safeguard the wetlands and their associated biodiversity for generations to come.