The Alibijaban Wilderness Area (AWA) in Quezon Province! DYK that it is a Protected Area? It is home to a number of species of flora and fauna.
Alibijaban Wilderness Area is a protected area that covers the whole island of Barangay Alibijaban, Municipality of San Andres, Province of Quezon. The island has an approximate area of 471.90 hectares. 198.24 hectares of which is classified as timberland while 273.66 hectares is alienable and disposable.
The Municipality of San Andres, Quezon is about 330 kilometers southwest of Manila.
Alibijaban Wilderness Area is best known for its
- Crystal clear water
- White sand shores
- Long white sand bar
- Vast vegetation of Bantigue and Mangrove species, and
- Breathtaking scenery of rock formation
Flora in AWA
Beach Forest found in the center of the island.
Mangrove Forest
- 39 mangroves species belonging to 17 families and 29 genera were identified and recorded.
- Of the 39 species, 22 belong to major and minor mangrove elements while 17 are considered mangrove associates.
- Rhizophoraceae has the most number of species and individuals in all zones.
Seagrasses: 4 species were found:
- Thalassia hempprichii,
- Enhalus acoroides,
- Cymodocea rotundata and
- Halophila ovalis.
Cover the nearshore white sand beach extending to the north and south of the island.
Fauna in Alibijaban Wilderness Area (AWA)
- 38 avian species under 23 families and 9 others also recorded
- Golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) Status: Endangered, Endemic
- Large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) Status: Near threatened, Endemic
- Tabon scrubfowl (Megapodius cumingii) Status: Endemic
- Giant clam (Tridacna gigas) Status: Vulnerable, Endemic
- Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Status: Vulnerable, Endemic
- Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) Status: Critically endangered, Endemic
- Green Sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) Status: Endangered, Endemic
AWA Underwater
Colar Reefs
- characterized by a vast tape-like reef flat with 60-80 degrees hard coral wall
- in some areas, the wall exhibits over 50% of hard corals
- spur and groove formation commonly observed along reef flat facing Bicol Region
Bottlenose Dolphin and Whale shark can be seen on the island on their migrating season, usually from July-September.
Parrot Fishes
- group of 95 fish species as a family (Scaridae) or a subfamily (Scarinae) of the wrasses
- found in coral reefs, rocky coasts, and seagrass beds
- play a vital role in the health of coral reefs
- also, play a significant role in bioerosion
Sea Turtles
Ecotourism in AWA
- Birdwatching
- Diving
- Boating
- Swimming and Snorkeling
- Sightseeing
- Drone operation
Management of AWA
The protected area is being managed by a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) headed by the Regional Executive Director, DENR CALABARZON.
The DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) of Catanauan, Quezon acts as the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of AWA. The PASu is accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the implementation of the Management Plan and operations of the protected area.
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