Lalaguna marsh (9727)
Philippines, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2006
National site name: Lalaguna marsh
Central coordinates: Latitude: 13.9167, Longitude: 122.2167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 4 to 4
Area of KBA (km2): 31.3885
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Lalaguna Marsh is near the southernmost tip of Lamon Bay in Quezon Province. It is an inland freshwater marsh with dense reed beds and an abundant growth of other aquatic vegetation. The maximum depth of the water is 3 m. During the dry season (February-April), the water level recedes and about one third of the marsh dries out. Some boat navigation is possible in cleared areas. The marsh provides an important source of fish for local inhabitants, and supports a small reed cutting industry for basket making and mat weaving. There are coconut plantations, rice paddies and residential areas around the marsh.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. KBA identified in the CI/CEPF Conservation Outcomes booklet for the Philippines Hotspot (2006). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2004 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: Lalaguna Marsh is an important breeding and wintering area for a variety of waterfowl, especially Ardeidae, Anatidae and Rallidae, including the threatened Philippine Duck.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Lalaguna Marsh is near the southernmost tip of Lamon Bay in Quezon Province. It is an inland freshwater marsh with dense reed beds and an abundant growth of other aquatic vegetation. The maximum depth of the water is 3 m. During the dry season (February-April), the water level recedes and about one third of the marsh dries out. Some boat navigation is possible in cleared areas. The marsh provides an important source of fish for local inhabitants, and supports a small reed cutting industry for basket making and mat weaving. There are coconut plantations, rice paddies and residential areas around the marsh.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 33 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 67 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The clearing of old coconut plantations in the water catchment area has resulted in severe soil erosion and this has led to an increase in sedimentation in the marsh. Uncontrolled shooting and trapping of waterfowl, especially ducks and rails, is having a detrimental effect on their populations, and dogs from nearby residential areas cause considerable disturbance to nesting birds. A proposal has been made to stock the marsh with exotic species of fish, and this could pose a serious threat to the native fish fauna.
Additional information
References: Davies et al. (1990); Scott (1989).