Biology Department conducts research, biodiversity survey at Twin Lakes for World Wildlife Day

Silliman University (SU) Biology Department faculty member Dr. Jade Aster T. Badon, Rodolfo B. Gonzales Museum of Natural History coordinator Leandro S. Cabrera, and Museum staff Esteven Theodore A. Nacar attended the World Wildlife Day celebration in Negros Oriental and conducted a Biodiversity Monitoring Survey (BMS) as well as a research activity on birds and butterflies at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, March 3-5, 2021.

Officers of the DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Negros Oriental, DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Protected Area Management Board of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (PAMB-BTLNP), Balinsasayaw Twin-Lakes Farmers Association, Inc. (BTLFAI), Dumaguete Tourism Office, and Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI) attended the events.

Badon was among the guest speakers who talked about the forest, biodiversity, and livelihood during World Wildlife Day, celebrated every March 3.

During the survey facilitated by PBCFI, Badon said they were assigned to different transect groups to monitor birds and their associated habitats.

Badon, Cabrera, and Nacar also represented the SU Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CENTROP) for the survey and research activity.

“Silliman University has been active in sending representatives for future collaborative research projects in the (Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park),” said Badon in his report about the event.

Moreover, Badon said the “highlight” of the event was the release of two pythons in the Park. The pythons were rehabilitated at CENTROP after they were rescued in Dumaguete City.