An endangered Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) has been documented in Aurora for the first time after a resident found the seabird having difficulty flying along the coast of Dilasag, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The bird was discovered along the coastline of Barangay Masagana, where the resident sought assistance from local authorities rather than attempting to keep or relocate the animal. It was later turned over to DENR wildlife personnel for assessment.
Wildlife enforcement officers found the Brown Booby in good physical condition, with no visible injuries or signs of distress. Authorities subsequently released the seabird in Barangay Dicabasan following established wildlife rescue, handling and release procedures.
Ariel Mendoza, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Casiguran, said the agency coordinated with the municipal government of Dilasag in returning the bird to its natural habitat.
DENR Central Luzon described the encounter as the first documented sighting of the species in Aurora. GMA News reported that Brown Boobies have previously been recorded in other parts of the Philippines, including Masbate and Ilocos Sur. The seabirds are known for diving from the air into the water to catch prey.
Under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, the Brown Booby is included in the Philippines’ list of threatened fauna under the endangered category. The species is also covered by Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The law establishes measures for conserving wildlife species and their habitats while regulating activities such as the collection and trade of wildlife in the country.
Following the Aurora encounter, DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo urged residents to immediately inform the agency or local authorities when they encounter wildlife that may require assistance. The DENR said reporting sightings allows trained personnel to assess animals properly while reducing unnecessary disturbance to wildlife and their habitats.
The documented appearance of the Brown Booby in Aurora also adds to existing records of the species in the Philippines and demonstrates how reports from coastal communities can help authorities respond to wildlife encounters.
