Current view: Text account
Site description (2001 baseline):
Site location and context
This IBA includes an area of hills in the centre of the Zamboanga Peninsula of western Mindanao, c.90 km to the north of Zamboanga City. Most of the land there is relatively low-lying, just a few hundred metres above sea level, but one peak reaches over 1,000 m. Recent forest cover maps show several substantial areas of forest in this area, and CENRO-Ipil reports that the forest covers a huge area there and starts from within 5 km of the highway. Much of this forest must be lowland in type, with some areas of montane forest around the highest peaks.
The avifauna of the Lituban-Quipit watersheds is virtually unknown, although there is a record of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle from near to the IBA. The extensive forests there, both lowland and montane, could support an important population of the eagle, and of many of the other threatened and restricted-range species of the Mindanao and Eastern Visayas Endemic Bird Area. They could prove to be one of the most important sites for the conservation of lowland birds in the EBA.
This IBA includes an area of hills in the centre of the Zamboanga Peninsula of western Mindanao, c.90 km to the north of Zamboanga City. Most of the land there is relatively low-lying, just a few hundred metres above sea level, but one peak reaches over 1,000 m. Recent forest cover maps show several substantial areas of forest in this area, and CENRO-Ipil reports that the forest covers a huge area there and starts from within 5 km of the highway. Much of this forest must be lowland in type, with some areas of montane forest around the highest peaks.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
This IBA is in a former logging area of at least four large companies, Timex, Curuan Timber, Zamboanga Wood Products and Jolar. Logging has now been suspended with the expiry of these company’s Timber Licence Agreements (TLAs). However, illegal logging, kaingin and the hunting of wildlife (especially monkey collection in the Tungawan area) are now reported to be widespread in this area.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Reforestation programs have been initiated to rehabilitate the forests in this area, mainly Integrated Forest Management (IFMA) programs in Tungawan and Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) projects. However, the trees planted are unfortunately mainly exotic species and are therefore of little or no value to the native wildlife.
Surveys are required in this IBA, to investigate both the extent and quality of the remaining habitats, and whether it supports important populations of threatened and restricted-range birds and other biodiversity.
Not officially protected.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lituban-Quipit Watershed (Philippines). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lituban-quipit-watershed-iba-philippines on 22/11/2024.
