The 7,107 islands of the Philippines is composed of vast, beautiful terrain and unique wildlife. It is a fact that the Philippines is home to animals that can only be found in the country– beautiful, majestic creatures we should all respect and appreciate.
The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines were in Ilocos Norte to do just that. They were in the province to birdwatch when they spotted the Rufous Hornbill. However, the Hornbill was not the only thing they saw.
Apparently, a government official’s relative hunted and killed a young Hornbill and according to the story, the local police were not able to do anything about it. (View original post here)
The Rufous Hornbill has been classified as a ‘vulnerable’ species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. They have been “suspected to be declining rapidly throughout its range as a result of habitat loss and persecution by hunters and trappers.”
Screenshot from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species page
Bird Life International lists it as “critically endangered” in their website.
Screenshot from BirdLife.org
We have been blessed that nature has given us these beautiful islands to call home. I believe that it is our duty as Filipinos to take care of these lands and the corresponding wildlife. What do you think about this?
