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Site description (2001 baseline):
Site location and context
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.
Lalaguna Marsh is an important breeding and wintering area for a variety of waterfowl, especially Ardeidae, Anatidae and Rallidae, including the threatened Philippine Duck.
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.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
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.
Not officially protected.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lalaguna marsh (Philippines). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lalaguna-marsh-iba-philippines on 25/11/2024.
