An exhibit featuring Dulungan (Rufous-headed hornbill) and a simultaneous bird count in 12 Antique towns mark the Dulungan Month celebration in this province as it continues to campaign for the protection and conservation of the critically endangered species.
The month-long exhibit at the New Antique Provincial Capitol in San Jose de Buenavista features pictures and information on Dulungan to raise awareness of its importance to biodiversity.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office chief Vivian Marfil said in an interview on Wednesday that Dulungan helps regenerate the forest and conserve biodiversity through its role in seed dispersal.
“Dulungan is being called the ‘Farmer of the Forest’ for it helps in the regeneration of the forest,” she said.
Meanwhile, the bird count set for Aug. 21 will help determine the bird population in the province.
The activity will cover San Remigio, Sibalom, Patnongon, Valderrama, Bugasong, Laua-an, Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, Pandan and Libertad towns.
The bird count spotted 62 Dulungan in 2024 and 59 last year.
Other activities for the celebration include a series of fora focusing on Dulungan conservation in coordination with the National Museum of the Philippines-Antique on Aug. 15 and Aug. 28-29, and a tree-growing activity.
“A tree-growing activity will be conducted in Sebaste, where the local government unit (LGU) will be planting 2,000 seedlings of hardwood and fruit-bearing trees,” Marfil said.
Dulungan has been declared the provincial bird of Antique. (PNA)
