The endangered tarictic hornbill has been documented in the FSNP. (Photo from the DENR)
ILAGAN CITY, Isabela — Unknown perhaps to many Filipinos, we have one of the most expensive birds in the world—the hornbill—which is also among the most valuable wildlife species that is indegenous to the Philippines.
Yes, hornbills are considered very expensive and high-maintenance exotic pets, with costs stemming from purchase price and specialized care requirements and also legal and ethical issues.
While smaller species might be found, legal captive-bred hornbills are rare and expensive. In some regions, illegal, poached hornbills are sold, with prices varying from lower amounts for small species to over ₱30,000 (US$529) for nonnative species.
So, if one wanted to catch a glimpse of this elusive bird species, one just need to visit Fuyot Springs National Park (FSNP) in the heart of Isabela, where native wildlife abound as it is considered a shining example of sustainable tourism. Here, the protection of nature and the promotion of ecotourism go hand in hand.
The park’s management, led by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is taking deliberate steps to ensure that tourism development does not come at the expense of the environment.
Located in Barangay Santa Victoria in Ilagan City, to reach FSNP, one has to travel 405 kilometers northeast of Manila in the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is an 819-hectare protected area known for its caves, waterfalls and the Ilagan Sanctuary.
Aside from protecting the rare wildlife species found in the park, the PAMB has approved a research study that aims to assess tree health and identify potential risks to ensure visitor safety. Conducting tree risk assessments and establishing Tree Risk Management Zones can prevent accidents and improve overall management.
According to DENR Cagayan Valley regional executive director Ismael Manaligod, “(the study) is a crucial step toward ensuring that (the) park remains a safe and enjoyable destination for tourists.”
“We want to make sure that tourism development does not sacrifice nature,” Manaligod noted.
In a related development, a Fauna Identification Training at FSNP recorded the presence of two important bird species: the tarictic hornbill and the white-browed shama. These two bird species, listed as endangered and vulnerable respectively, were recorded by 25 participants from the Protected Area Management Offices of 14 protected areas in the Cagayan Valley region.
In the meantime, the Ilagan City government has proposed the construction of a hostel and administrative building with a ‘pasalubong’ center within the Ilagan Sanctuary. The ₱49.5-million project aims to boost tourism and provide better facilities and services to tourists, as well as additional livelihood opportunities for the local community.
While the proposal is currently undergoing review by the PAMB Technical Working Committee, together with the DENR, to ensure compliance with existing regulations, the FSNP continues to implement conservation programs, including biodiversity monitoring and assessment, forest patrolling and information and education campaigns.