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Lake
Balinsasayao and Lake Danao
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Location:
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9°2l'N, 123°10'E; in the mountains of southern Negros Island, 12 km west of Sibulan, Negros Oriental Province. |
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Area:
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Lake Balinsasayao 76 ha, Lake Danao 28 ha. |
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Altitude:
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1,040m. |
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Biogeographical
Province:
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4.26.12. |
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Wetland
type:
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14. |
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Description
of site:
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Two small crater lakes separated by a narrow mountain ridge, and situated in a hollow between four mountains, Mount Mahungot to the south, Mount Kalbasan to the north, Mount Balinsasayao to the east and Mount Guidabon to the west. Lake Balinsasayao lies to the northwest of the ridge and Lake Danao to the southeast. The lakes are fed by local run-off and are fresh. |
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Climatic
conditions:
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Humid tropical climate with the seasons not very pronounced; relatively dry from November to April and wet for the rest of the year (Type III). |
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Principal
vegetation:
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No information is available on the aquatic vegetation; the dominant vegetation in surrounding areas is dipterocarp forest. |
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Land
tenure:
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The lakes and the surrounding area (3,900 ha) are state owned. |
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Conservation
measures taken:
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None. |
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Conservation
measures proposed:
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The Bureau of Forest Development has proposed that the lakes and surrounding area be designated as a National Park, but the site is currently under the jurisdiction of the Board of Energy and the proposal is still awaiting approval. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 7, is currently preparing a proposal requesting acquisition of the area from the Board of Energy. |
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Land
use:
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Fishing, mainly for Tilapia mossambica, Cyprinus carpio, Ophicephalus striatus, Anquilla sp, Macrobrachium sp, Viruna literata, Fabricus sp and Chanos chanos. Surrounding forests are exploited for timber and charcoal production. |
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Possible
changes in land use:
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| Disturbances and threats: | The uncontrolled cutting of timber by the Kaingiros (slash-and-burn farmers) is reducing the inflow of water to the lakes and causing a fall in water levels. |
| Economic and social values: | The lakes support a significant fishery. |
| Fauna: | The lakes possess a rich fish fauna, including a number of introduced species, and the surrounding dipterocarp forests are rich in bird life. |
| Special floral values: | No information. |
| Research and facilities: | |
| References: | Alcala & Carambana (undated); Cadelina et al. (1985). |
| Criteria for inclusion: | 1b. |
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Source:
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Haribon Foundation and Perla M. Magsalay. |