Cadiz wetlands draw migratory gulls, strengthening case for Ramsar designation

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The arrival of black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) in Cadiz City’s wetlands this December has brought renewed attention to the city’s pursuit of a recognition of its wetlands as areas of global importance for wildlife, environmental health, and communities.

The black-headed gulls, migratory birds known for their winter plumage, are typically found in Europe and Asia. The birds are a common sight across wetlands and coastal areas, are known for their striking appearance and are often seen scavenging for scraps or foraging in shallow waters. 

Native to Europe and Asia, they are highly adaptable and have expanded their range, with populations thriving in urban and rural landscapes. Conservationists note that while their numbers are stable, habitat loss and pollution remain ongoing threats.

Their presence in Cadiz signals that the city’s environment is not only clean but also capable of supporting diverse bird species, environment officials said. They said the birds are expected to stay in their Cadiz safe haven during the winter season abroad until March.

The timing coincides with Cadiz’s recent submission of its four-year documentation to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), a step toward achieving a status for its wetlands as a Ramsar site, under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed in 1971. 

Such recognition gives prominence to a wetland’s international ecological significance, such as its biodiversity or role in water management. There are over 2,400 Ramsar sites worldwide.

Joseph Caceres, head of Cadiz’s Ecosystem and Environmental Resource Management Division, told Rappler on Tuesday, December 17, that based on their research, three primary factors likely attracted the black-headed gulls to the Philippines, specifically Cadiz: biodiversity richness, clean wetlands, and a sustainable food source.

“These birds’ journeys from different countries to Cadiz’s coastal mudflats show that the city offers a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems,” Caceres said.

Cadiz City’s wetlands are home to an ecosystem that includes coastal mudflats, mangrove forests, and reefs. These habitats collectively attract thousands of migratory birds annually, among them species like black-tailed godwits, bar-tailed godwits, great knots, and far eastern curlews. 

The city in Negros Occidental is proud of its extensive wetlands, including a four-kilometer coastal mudflat, a 34-hectare mangrove forest, and the Kabilang-bilangan Reef, all in Barangay Daga; Lakawon Island in Barangay Cadiz Viejo; and the Cabaluna mudflat spanning the boundaries of Barangays Luna and Sicaba.

The city has long been working for the prestigious designation. Since 2020, local officials have worked to document the ecological significance of their wetlands, culminating in a submission to the Biodiversity Management Bureau early this month. 

Before the gulls’ arrival, Cadiz documented other foreign migratory bird species in its wetlands during the past three years, including:

• Black-tailed godwits
• Bar-tailed godwits
• Great knots
• Eurasian whimbrels
• Far Eastern curlews
• Chinese egrets
• Pacific reef egrets
• Lesser frigatebirds

Cadiz is no stranger to environmental milestones because it is a part of a province that already has a Ramsar site. The Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA), designated as the country’s seventh Ramsar site in 2016, encompasses 89,609 hectares in the southern part of the province. It includes 10 localities: Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, and Ilog.

Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said residents were awed by the sight of black-headed gulls staying, playing, and roosting in Cadiz.

He expressed optimism about the city’s chances of being designated as a Ramsar site, citing the arrival of black-headed gulls as a validation of their efforts.

Escalante said Cadiz’s has long been bidding for separate recognition because of the city’s unique ecological contributions. 

“The preparations, the maintenance of clean and sustainable wetlands, and the documentation have not been easy,” Escalante said. “But everything is gaining ground now.” – Rappler.com