Layog and Higasaan Rivers
Location:	10°37'-10°45'N, 124°58'-l25°02'E; south of Abuyog, Leyte Province.
Area:	10,500 ha.
Altitude:	Sea level to 1,000m.
Biogeographical Province:	4.26.12.
Wetland type:	11, 12 & 13.
Description of site:	The Layog River and its tributary, the Higasaan River, from their sources at about l,000m elevation in the hills of southern Leyte to the Layog estuary in Leyte Gulf south of Abuyog. In the lower reaches, the river banks are lined with nipa palms Nypa fruticans, and there are extensive riverine marshes near the river mouth.
Climatic conditions:	Humid tropical climate with no dry season but a pronounced period of maximum rainfall from November to January (Type II).
Principal vegetation:	Stands of Nypa fruticans; rice paddies, plantations of Cocos nucifera and secondary forest in adjacent areas.
Land tenure:	No information.
Conservation measures taken:	None.
Conservation measures proposed:
Land use:	Fishing, transportation, outdoor recreation and water supply for domestic purposes; agriculture along the river banks and residential areas at the river mouth.
Possible changes in land use:	The region has been proposed as a resettlement site, and plans exist for the canalization of rivers and streams for irrigation in the water catchment area.
Disturbances and threats:	Illegal logging in the upper water catchment area is causing soil erosion and increased siltation in the riverine marshes. Other threats include hunting and pollution from domestic waste and pesticides used on nearby rice paddies.
Economic and social values:	The rivers are important for their fisheries and provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Fauna:	An important area for egrets and ducks (up to 500).
Special floral values:	No information.
Research and facilities:
References:	National Water Resources Council (1980).
Criteria for inclusion:	1b, 3b.
Source:	Perla M. Magsalay.