The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has documented several notable fauna and flora species within Tinagong Dagat of the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) based on the results of a recent assessment.

In a report on Tuesday, the NNNP management said from that March 16 to 20, its personnel conducted a trail resource assessment and monitoring across the four official trails of Tinagong Dagat.

They observed the presence of birds such as the endangered Visayan tarictic hornbill (Penelopides panini) and the Visayan bulbul (Hypsipetes guimarasensis).

Among the recorded flora were the Tetrastigma spp., pointed-tooth slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum acmodontum), almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) and lauan (Shorea spp.).

The trail assessment covered the official trails in the cities of Silay and Talisay, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.

Based on initial findings, the Don Salvador Benedicto trail “recorded the narrowest average trail width at approximately 0.4 meters.”

The Canlandog Trail in Murcia “registered the widest at approximately 1.7 meters,” it added.

Among the major trekking destinations in Negros Occidental, Tinagong Dagat is located within Mount Mandalagan in Silay City.

From June to December, or the wet season, Tinagong Dagat transforms into a lake as water fills the ancient volcanic crater, while from December to May, or the dry season, it completely dries up, revealing its grassy plains.

The NNNP is a protected area that covers 70,826.16 hectares of land across 11 local government units in Negros Occidental. (PNA)