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Ilog
River Estuaries
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Location:
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10°01'-10°04'N, 122°42'-122°47'E; on the southwestern coast of Negros Island, Negros Occidental Province. |
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Area:
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c.5,000 ha. |
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Altitude:
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Sea level. |
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Biogeographical
Province:
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4.26.12. |
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Wetland
type:
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02, 06, 07, 10 & 19. |
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Description
of site:
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The estuarine and delta systems of the two main distributaries of the hog River, with extensive intertidal mudflats, mangrove swamps, fish ponds and adjacent rice paddies. The two estuaries are about nine km apart; both are prone to frequent floods which bring large volumes of sediment to the area. |
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Climatic
conditions:
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Humid tropical climate with two pronounced seasons, a dry season from December to April and a wet season for the rest of the year (Type I). |
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Principal
vegetation:
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Mangrove swamps. |
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Land
tenure:
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Owned by the state and leased to fishpond operators. |
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Conservation
measures taken:
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None. |
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Conservation
measures proposed:
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Alcala et al. have proposed the establishment of a Bird Sanctuary. |
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Land
use:
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Fishing, aquaculture, harvesting of shellfish and other sea foods, transportation, anchorage for boats, and outdoor recreation; cultivation of rice and urban development in surrounding areas. The wetland is situated in a very densely populated area. |
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Possible
changes in land use:
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| Disturbances and threats: | There is considerable pressure on the wetland from general human encroachment. Agricultural development has contributed to severe siltation, and the dumping of effluents from a nearby sugar mill has resulted in fish being killed. |
| Economic and social values: | The hog estuaries support a locally important fishery and provide opportunities for a variety of recreational activities. |
| Fauna: | Thirty-eight species of fish have been recorded, 36 of which are edible. The invertebrate fauna includes 17 species of gastropods, 20 species of pelecypods, 22 species of crustaceans, one species of chiton and one species of brachipod. The estuaries are also important for a wide variety of resident and migratory waterfowl. |
| Special floral values: | No information. |
| Research and facilities: | Alcala et al. have conducted a survey of the water, animal and plant resources of the flog River. |
| References: | Alcala et al. (undated-a & undated-b). |
| Criteria for inclusion: | 1b, 3b. |
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Source:
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Haribon Foundation and Perla M. Magsalay. |