TAGUM City set the Philippine record for the most number of wildlife observations during its first time participating in the 2022 City Nature Challenge (CNC2022), clocking in 50,590 wildlife observations from April 29 to May 8, 2022.
Their record in the CNC2022 also enabled them to earn the third spot in Asia and 36th in the world for nature observations.
Among the noteworthy observations in Tagum City is the photo-documentation of Tridacna squamosa or locally known as Fluted Giant Clam, by Mr. Rodel S. Chua from PENRO Tagum City. The species is classified as near-threatened, with strongly encouraging local protection and conservation initiatives.
Other Philippine endemic species that were observed in Tagum were the Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis holospilus), Philippine Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippinensis); Philippine Bulbul (Hypsipetes philippinus) and other bird species such as Barred Rail (Hypotaenidia torquata), Black Winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), and Pink Necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans).
This year, the nature-logging endeavor had 445 cities from 47 countries logging in their local flora and fauna, contributing to a staggering 1,694,877 wildlife observations out of 67,220 total registered nature observers.
Working alongside the Tagum LGU headed by Mayor Allan Rellon were the HIJO Resources Corporation and the University of Mindanao Institute for Biodiversity and Environment.
The CNC is an annual global event aimed at engaging local citizens and communities to gather wildlife observations within the vicinity of their city. Each participating city across the world is ranked based on three categories: number of observations, number of species identified, and number of participants or observers.
The event is co-organized by the Community Science teams of the California Academy of Sciences and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Next year’s City Nature Challenge will be from April 28 to May 1, 2023. Congratulations to Tagum City and the Philippines as a whole!
