‘Kalaw’ sighting offers new hope for Bicol forests
LEGAZPI CITY—Deep within the forests of Bicol Natural Park in the Camarines provinces, four hornbills emerged above the canopy, offering conservationists a rare and encouraging glimpse of a species fighting for survival.
During a wildlife monitoring patrol last month, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel documented and photographed a family of four northern rufous hornbills (Buceros hydrocorax), locally known as “kalaw,” near the park’s iconic “Mother Tree” in Camarines Norte.
The sighting marks an important milestone for biodiversity conservation in the region, providing direct scientific evidence that the threatened bird continues to thrive within one of Bicol’s largest protected landscapes.
For environmental officials, the discovery is more than just a wildlife encounter.
“The presence of a family group indicates that there is sufficient food, shelter, and nesting habitat within the forest,” Francisco Milla Jr., DENR regional executive director, told the Inquirer in an interview on Tuesday.
The hornbills were documented through drone-assisted wildlife monitoring conducted by a team led by Protected Area Superintendent Ralph Portades. The use of technology allowed researchers to observe the birds while minimizing disturbance to their natural behavior.
Forest health
To conservationists, the appearance of four hornbills together tells an important story about the health of the forest.
Hornbills are highly dependent on mature forests, relying on large trees for nesting sites and fruit-bearing plants for food. Their continued presence often signals that an ecosystem remains functional and capable of supporting a wide range of wildlife.
Known as the “farmers of the forest,” hornbills play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. As they consume fruits and travel across vast stretches of woodland, they disperse seeds that help regenerate forests and sustain plant diversity.
“The loss of hornbills could significantly affect the ability of forests to regenerate naturally,” Milla said.
The northern rufous hornbill is found only in the Philippines and is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is also listed as endangered under the DENR’s list of threatened Philippine fauna.
Despite its ecological importance, the species faces continuing threats from habitat loss, forest fragmentation, illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking.
The recent sighting, DENR officials said, offers a measure of hope amid growing concerns over the decline of many wildlife populations across the country.
Protected area
Bicol Natural Park spans portions of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur and is recognized as a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act. The park is also designated as a key biodiversity area and forms part of the Greater Luzon Faunal Region.
Its forests serve as refuge for numerous endemic and threatened species, including the Philippine hawk-eagle, Luzon hornbill, Philippine long-tailed macaque, and valuable native trees, such as narra, yakal, apitong and red lauan.
For Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Nestor Franz Fortuno, the presence of habitat-dependent species, such as the kalaw, highlights the importance of sustained conservation efforts.
“Their presence is often considered an indicator of healthy and functioning forest ecosystems,” he said.
The documentation of a family group within the park’s strict protection zone suggests that portions of Bicol Natural Park continue to provide the conditions necessary for threatened wildlife to survive.
Milla said the discovery also demonstrated the growing value of technology in conservation work, complementing regular patrols and biodiversity assessments undertaken by park personnel.
