THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI, through its Conservation and Development Division-Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (CDD-PAMBCS), successfully conducted theThe 2026 Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) recorded a total of 20,620 individual birds, representing 52 species, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-XI (DENR XI) reported. “The species has an estimated global population of only about 100 individuals, making it one of Asia’s rarest and most threatened seabirds,” DENR reported. The DENR-Cenro Panabo team recorded a new sighting on January 28. “Continued monitoring is scheduled in February to further document the species presence,” DENR said. “The current birdcount demonstrates an upward trend, indicating a habitat suitability to the migratory birds,” DENR stated.