When the world thought Chinese Crested Terns (CCTs) were long gone, these mysterious birds reappeared. In fact, they have been here in the Philippines in the recent years- in the lush wetlands of Davao region.
With less than a hundred of global population, CCT is one of the rarest seabirds and in fact, critically-endangered ones. Reports say these birds were discovered in 1861 and were last seen around 1937. Conservationists and bird enthusiasts were then thrilled with its unexpected reappearance some years ago.
Recently, bird expert and photographer Pete Simpson have sighted, yet again, some adult CCTs in the wetlands of Davao del Norte in January and February of this year. Simpson assumed around 8% of its world population were sighted in the area.
Aside from Philippines, CCTs were also sighted in other countries
such as Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and some parts of China. As these terns bounce back from near-extinction, conservationists across the globe are working on increasing its population by extending and protecting its breeding colonies and nesting sites including the wetlands.
While on it, there is an unceasing call for public to refrain from disturbing, hunting or killing these terns, likewise from illegally collecting their eggs.
Photo courtesy of Pete Simpson
- Details
- Parent Category: News & Events
- Category: Press Releases
- Published: 03 February 2021