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Ulugan
Bay
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Location:
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10°05'N, 118°47'E; on the north coast of Palawan Island, 35 km north of Puerto Princesa, Palawan Province. |
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Area:
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1,880 ha of mangroves. |
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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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01, 03, 07 & 10. |
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Description
of site:
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A small sea bay between hilly headlands, with several small islands, offshore coral reefs, and extensive mangrove swamps (the Baheli-Macarascas Mangroves) along the southern and eastern shores. Some areas of mangroves have been converted to fish ponds. Seven perennial rivers drain into the mangroves: the Banaog, Kamanglet, Sia, Buruang, Egdasen, Baheli and Kayubo. Salinities range from 9.2 to 23.9 p.p.t., and pH values from 7.0 to 7.5. The tide is predominantly of the diurnal type, with a mean diurnal range of 1.22m. |
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Climatic
conditions:
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Humid tropical climate with two pronounced seasons, a dry season from January to April and a wet season for the rest of the year (Type I). February is the driest month and August the wettest. The average annual rainfall is about 2,200 mm. Mean monthly temperatures range from a low of 26.6°C in November to a high of 28.7°C in April. |
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Principal
vegetation:
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Mangrove swamps with seven species of true mangrove belonging to three families: Rhizophoraceae, Euphorbiaceae and Meliaceae. |
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Land
tenure:
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No information. |
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Conservation
measures taken:
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The whole of Palawan Island has been declared a wildlife preserve. |
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Conservation
measures proposed:
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Land
use:
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Cutting of mangroves for charcoal production, and aquaculture. |
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Possible
changes in land use:
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| Disturbances and threats: | The main threat is excessive cutting of mangroves, particularly Rhizophora and Brugui era, for charcoal production. Some mangroves have also been destroyed for the development of fish ponds. |
| Economic and social values: | The extensive mangrove swamps provide excellent protection against wave erosion during storms, and serve as natural breeding and nursery grounds for molluscs, crustaceans and fishes of economic importance. |
| Fauna: | The mangroves support a very rich invertebrate and fish fauna. |
| Special floral values: | No information. |
| Research and facilities: | The Center for Development Studies has carried out an inventory and assessment of the mangrove resources. |
| References: | Center for Development Studies (1977-78 & 1978). |
| Criteria for inclusion: | 1b. 2c. |
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Source:
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Haribon Foundation. |