Our Palawan

Research and Analysis:

Economic and Wealth Creation
This article is also available on-line at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph

Tourism Carrying Capacity Assessment in Puerto Princesa City

Western Slope Important Bird Areas (IBA) Birding Destinations:
A Soft Impact Eco-Tourism Activity in Core Zone
Rainier I. Manalo1, Shellemai A. Roa1, Glenda M. Cadigal2, Cherry Lynn S. Jalover2, Mark Ace V. Dela
Cruz2, Rommel M. Cruz1, Erickson A. Tabayag1, Ariel Dela Torre1, and William Cabanillas1

Abstract

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP)

and the Victoria-Anepahan Range are two of the most important
Keywords: birdwatching destinations in the western slope of Puerto Princesa. In
August and September 2013, ecotourism potentials and carrying
Bird watching capacity in these areas were studied in consideration for soft-impact
Carrying capacity ecotourism activity in ECAN Core Zone. Visual Encounter Survey
Ecotourism (VES) and acoustical identification were used in trail transect walks.
Important bird areas Secondary information were gathered through Key Informant
Surveys (KIS). Carrying capacity were assessed based on
management objectives, current visitation, potential conflicts, factors
influencing public-use areas and the capacity of each public-use site.
There were 132 avian species recorded in Victoria-Anepahan Range
Simpokan Birding Area, of which 21 are considered endemic. Of the
116 species recorded in the PPSRNP, 18 are considered endemic. An
average Real Carrying Capacity (RCC) of 97 and 37 visitors per day
were recorded in Victoria-Anepahan and PPSRNP respectively.
These birding destinations still sustained the populations of
Important Bird Area (IBA) trigger species. It is recommended that
both the national and local governments must support the
establishment of community birding destinations and formulate a
responsible birding code of conduct in support of the carrying
capacity prescriptions.

1
Birdwatch Palawan Ornithological Society, Brgy. Masikap, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
2
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Sports Complex Road, Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto
Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.
rimanaloecology@yahoo.com

©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 1

 bird species as well as all 15 endemic bird
1. INTRODUCTION species of Palawan. Internationally
threatened bird species include the Philippine
The carrying capacity of an area cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), Chinese
depends upon the capacity of an ecosystem egret (Egretta eulophotes), and Nordmann’s
to support healthy organisms while Greenshank (Tringa guttifer) (Mallari et. al.
maintaining its productivity, adaptability, 2001).
and capability of renewal (IUCN/UNEP/ Conservation and management
WWF, 1991). It represents the threshold program in these IBAs allow soft-impact
level of human activity; if exceeded, the tourism activities for community-based
natural resource base will be deteriorated management planning. Thus, estimating the
(Wolters, 1991). Carrying capacity is used tourism carrying capacity can minimize
as a measurement tool that allows a impacts that may occur when utilizing the
partnership between management objectives terrestrial core and buffer zones. This study
of a Natural Protected Area (NPA) and the aims to: (i) determine the avian species in the
environmental impacts of the activity being Barangays of Simpokan, Tagabinet and
undertaken on it; and it is useful in Cabayugan, identified major birdwatching
estimating the maximum level of visitors’ sites; (ii) set the baseline data for avian
use within the NPA (McNeely et al., 1992; diversity; (iii) assess the habitat condition of
Ortega 2011). target avian species; (iv) evaluate tourism
The island of Palawan is one of the potential and carrying capacity of the areas
premier tourist destinations worldwide. It is as bird watching is considered as a soft-
recently cited as the ‘best island in the impact ecotourism activity; (v) determine the
world’. With its vast natural resources and socio-economic condition of the sites; and
unique characteristics, many tourists, both (vi) recommend ecotourism strategies and
local and foreign individuals, are attracted to conservation management of the potential
visit the island. This contributed to the local birdwatching sites.
revenues of the Province of Palawan and the
City of Puerto Princesa (CPDO, 2013).
Bird watching activity is one of the
ecotourism adventure and recreational
activities offered in the province as well as
in the city. Palawan Flora, Fauna and Water-
shed Reserve in Puerto Princesa City was
declared and included in the ten Endemic
Bird Areas (EBA 156) in the Philippines.
Within this region, there are two Important
Bird Areas (IBA) located in the city,
namely: the Victoria-Anepahan Ranges
(IBA PH53) in south-western part of Puerto
Princesa; and the Puerto Princesa Subterra-
nean River National Park (PPSRNP) (IBA
PH52) in the northwest (Birdlife Internatio-
nal, 2013).
The northwestern part of Victoria
and Anepahan Ranges is a declared Water-
shed Forest Reserve of Puerto Princesa
located in Mt. Beaufort, where most of the
threatened and restricted-range species of
birds were recorded. According to Birdlife
International (2013), this area appears to
support important populations of the threat-
ened Philippine Cockatoo, Blue-headed-tail,
Palawan Hornbill, Falcated Wren-Babbler
and Palawan Flycatcher, and possibly also of
the Palawan Peacock Pheasant. The known Figure 1. Bir d watching activity in Puerto
PPSRNP is an important site for threatened Princesa Subterranean River National Park
species such as the Palawan peacock (PPSRNP) (Source: R.M. Manalo)

©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 2

2. METHODOLOGY
Study sites
The study was conducted in three
birding sites located at the western slope of
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan namely:
Barangays Simpokan, Tagabinet and
Cabayugan.
Barangay Simpokan is geographically
located in the western coast of the city. The
area is situated at the northwestern part of
Victoria-Anepahan Ranges, a confirmed Key
Biodiversity Area (KBA 063) based on its
recognition as an Important Bird Area (IBA
PH053) and Conservation Priority Area
(CPA77) within the Palawan Biodiversity
Conservation Corridor in the Philippine
hotspot. It is also known by ultramafic forest
on the upper elevation and alluvial forest on
the lower elevation. Three other mountains
stand out near the area and are comparable to
it are Cleopatra’s Needle (1,605 masl), Mt.
Pulgar (1,208 masl), and Cordillera of the
Aldea and Tres Pisos.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean
River National Park is recognized as
UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of
Palawan Man and Biosphere Reserve. It is the
5th RAMSAR Site as Wetland of
International Importance in the Philippines
and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The uniqueness of the cave system in
limestone karsts to astonishing intact
mangrove forests, and lush lowland forest
provides an interesting 22,202 hectares of
important coastal-marine and terrestrial
ecosystems. The Park caters the villages of
Cabayugan and Tagabinet and is considered
home for most of the community-based sus-
tainable ecotourism and the most visited areas
for birdwatchers.
Determination of carrying capacity
was defined for the nature trail of Bual-
bualan, Lalawigan, and the existing coastal
road in marginal beach forest of Barangay
Simpokan; Liang and Maligaya in Barangay
Tagabinet; and the PPSRNP Central Park,
PPUR Ranger Station forest trail, and ATV
track site canopy forests of Barangay
Cabayugan.
Data Collection
This study was conducted in August
and September 2013. Avian inventory was
done made through Visual Encounter Survey
(VES) using trail transect walks. Visual and
acoustical identification of wildlife were used
with the aid of tape-playback to validate
presence and/or absence of elusive and rare
species of birds. All species heard, seen and
©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
photographed were recorded and consolidated
using “A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines
by Kennedy et al. (2000). No species were
subjected for specimen sampling or any
capture methods. Data obtained were
consolidated with the list of existing bird
records from the Final Report of the Cebu
Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc.
(CBCFI) and Club 300 Foundation for Bird
Protection on the Bird Observations in
Simpokan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan,
Philippines by Paguntalan et al.(2008); Bird-
watch Palawan Ornithological Society (BWP)
Survey by Tupas et al. (2008); and the site
assessment for the Simpokan Community
Watershed and Ecotourism Project conducted
by the Barangay Council of Simpokan and the
DENR-PENRO & CENRO Technical Working
Group from the SCWEP (2011) avifaunal
surveys conducted during 2008-2013.
The socio–economic information was
gathered through direct interviews of local
stakeholders and community residents using
the modified Socio-economic Monitoring
(SocMon) Guidelines by Bunce and Pomeroy
(2003). The gathered secondary data was
supported by a structured survey questionnaire
for Key Informant Surveys (KIS).
Tourism and management policies of
protected areas were evaluated by investigating
the parameters described by Cifuentes (1992)
as suggested by the IUCN (1996) from the IV
World Congress on National Parks and
Protected Areas: (i) whether the management
objectives are achieved; (ii) current visitation
in the zoned area as an important tool for
activity orientation and daily management; (iii)
potentialities and conflicts (present and future)
that have been identified in respect to
management and public use; (iv) factors that
influenced public-use areas determineed; and
(v) carrying capacity of each public-use site
assessed.
Carrying Capacity Analysis
To assess the carrying capacity of the
site, the Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC),
and Real Carrying Capacity (RCC) were only
considered. The following formula described
by Cifuentes (1992) were used:
Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC). This refers
to the maximum number of users that can
physically fit into a defined area over a
particular time, without breaching safety and
impeding other activities. It follows a criteria
and basic assumptions on person horizontal
space requirement, available area in particular
condition of the site (e.g. physical features,
3
the number of permissible daily visits to a site.
PCC = A × V/a × Rf
Where: A = available area for public use
V/a = one visitor per m2
Rf = rotation factor (number of visits
per day)
Real Carrying Capacity (RCC). This pertains
to the maximum permissible number of users to
the resource once the corrective factors (Cf)
derived from the particular characteristics of
the site has been applied to PCC. The Cf is
obtained by considering the biophysical and
socio-economic factors which include the
excessive sunshine, rainfall, accessibility,
erodability and disturbance to wildlife.
RCC= PCC-Cf1 - Cf2 -... Cfn
Where: Cf is a corrective factor
expressed in percentage
Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC). This refers
to the maximum number of visitors that a site
can sustain, given the available management
capacity. However, ECC was not computed in
this study given the limitations on the level or
presence of management interventions and
specific budget allocations provided in the
specific target sites.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Victoria-Anepahan Range (PH053), Barangay
Simpokan
A total of 132 species of birds
representing 14 orders with 44 families
recorded within the Victoria-Anepahan Range
(PH053) in Barangay Simpokan. These
constitutes 22.92% of the PBCPP (2002)-
reported Philippine species (N=576); 47.31%
of Palawan recorded species (N=279) and
77.78% restricted-range species (N=27) as
documented by the Critical Ecosystem Partner-
ship Fund Identification of Biodiversity
Hotspot.
Most species were recorded at mixed
plantations within the secondary logged-over
forest at relatively lower elevations (<120m)
compared to closed-canopy forest located in
higher elevations (>200m). Of the 21 recorded
restricted range species, three are endemic in
the Philippines while 18 species are restricted
to Palawan Faunal Region. These species were
found in a wide elevation and habitat range,
including the coastal beach forest, lowland
mixed forest plantation to lower montane,
secondary logged-over and close-canopy forest.
©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
species were noted in low elevation. The
presence of a remarkable endemic Palawan
hornbill (A nthracoceros marchei) and Blue-
headed racquet-tail (Prioniturus platenae)
populations along the coastal beach forest to
lowland mixed plantations are quite common
in large numbers. Three of these restricted
range species were observed only from the
lowland mixed forest to lower montane:
Polyplectron napoleonis, Prioniturus platenae
and Malacopteron palawanense. Prioniturus
platenae as the most abundant species
especially within the lowland forest edge and
adjacent cultivated areas below 200 m
elevation. Other restricted range species were
recorded evenly distributed from 50-250 m
elevations in a wide range habitat. This
signifies that Barangay Simpokan still
supports important populations of Important
Birds Area (IBA) trigger species such as the
threatened Blue-headed Racquet-tail, Palawan
Hornbill, Falcated Wren-Babbler, Palawan
Flycatcher, and Palawan Peacock Pheasant.
There were 55 species of trees within
29 families recorded. Vegetation along the
nature trail was conspicuously observed to
consist of predominant cavity-forming tree
species such as Intsia bijuga (Ipil),
Dipterocarpus grandiflorus (Apitong) and oth-
er lowland dipterocarp species. The under-
growth was observed to be sparsely vegetated
with several medium size trees, other shrubs
and vines. Situated in the lower portion of the
trail are mosaic patches of cultivation. Disturb-
ances on the lower portion are well
represented by under-brushing of vegetation,
clearing of trees either for cultivation, timber
and/or charcoal-making. Several old fruit trees
plantation and coconut were also observed
along the nature trail. The observed timber
poaching in some parts might contribute to the
rarity of cavity-forming trees which can be a
potential threat to breeding A nthracoceros
marchei. Forest clearing activities may grant
access to an imminent threat in the unique
habitat of the Malacopteron palawanense,
Malacocincla cinereiceps and Ptilocichla
falcata.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National
Park (PH052), Barangay Cabayugan and Ta-
gabinet
A total of 116 species of birds repre-
senting 14 orders with 40 families (with 18
endemics) were recorded. These results
constitutes 20.14% of PBCPP (2002)-reported
Philippine species (N=576); 41.58% Palawan-
recorded species (N=279) and 66.67%
4
the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
Identification of Biodiversity Hotspot.
In the coastal beach forest area of
PPUR, the presence of several Polyplectron
napoleonis individuals that are conditioned to
certain sound being associated with feeding,
are becoming part of wildlife watching.
Likewise, a relatively growing population of
Megapodius cumingii was observed to have
been used to the presence of humans. Active
nest mounds of M. cumingii were fairly
distributed along the beach and underneath the
forested area. Rare presence of Ficedula
platenae, a new micro habitat site record for
the species, was documented within the
lowland forest of the Park.
Six of the restricted-range species are
listed under threatened category in the IUCN
Redlist of Threatened Species (2013) including
one Critically Endangered (CR): Cacatua
haematuropygia; five Vulnerable (VU):
Anthracoceros marchei, Ficedula platenae,
Polyplectron napoleonis, Prioniturus platenae
and Ptilocichla falcata; while four species are
considered Near Threatened (NT): Cyornis
lemprieri, Malacopteron palawanense, Parus
amabilis, and Terpsiphone cyanescens.
Of the total restricted-range species
recorded, 11 species were found within the
lowland primary and secondary forest along
the roadside birding areas of the park
(Tagabinet) while the other species inhabit
near the beach area of PPUR and Central Park
Station (CPS) with coastal beach to primary
and secondary forest cover.
Determination of Carrying Capacity
The tourism carrying capacity in two
identified IBAs, the Victoria-Anepahan Range
and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
National Park, focusing on three barangays
namely: Simpokan, Tagabinet and Cabayugan,
were determined for their physical (PCC) and
real carrying capacity (RCC). Basic criteria
and assumptions on birding requirements in
certain areas between individuals or groups
were determined for the computation of each
category.
Victoria-Anepahan Range (PH053), Barangay
Simpokan
The Bual-bualan, Lalawigan Watershed
and Coastal Beach Forest Roadside are the
three nature trails identified in Simpokan for
its potential as birding destination.
Birdwatchers and adventure tourists often visit
these areas for nature appreciation.
A one-way visitor influx to limit
visitor’s access on both side of Bual-bualan
©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
nature trail is ideal. Each standing person can
occupy an open space area of 3m2 to move
freely. Each visiting group could occupy a total
trail length of 21m; and maximum of 20 groups
can be allowed at the same time for birding-
related activity in consideration to the total
length of the nature trail. A maximum trail
length of 420m for public use is recommended
with 150m distance between groups. A permis-
sible daily visits of 3 times to a site was
determined considering the maximum staying
time of 4hr cruising the rugged terrain and
varying slopes of mixed plantation and
secondary forest. Thus, the PCC has a total of
416 visits/day.
One-way visitor influx was recommend-
ed to limit visitor’s access on both side of
Lalawigan nature trail. A group size of 5
persons was primarily recommended to
maintain a least amount of disturbance in the
watershed reserved. A total trail length of 15m
for each visiting group was considered for a
maximum of 9 groups at the same time. A
required maximum trail length of 135m would
be allowed for public use with 150m distance
between visiting groups. Each standing person
can occupy an area of 3m2 open space to move
freely. The identified permissible daily visits
was 3 times with maximum staying time of 4
hours, following the steep slope of closed
canopy of mixed remnant primary and
secondary forest in a rugged terrain. A total of
134 visits/day were the identified PCC.
Alternative to the marginal and lowland forest
of Simpokan, birding activities can commence
in roadside along coastal beaches. This fairly
disturbed site is recommended for a two-way
visitor influx, allowing for each standing person
a free open space of 9m2. Each visiting group
could occupy a total trail length of 35m and a
maximum of 28 visiting groups at the same time
for birding related activity. A total of 980m of
roadside trail will be required for public use in
the recommended distance of 200m between
groups. Two-time daily visits to site
is permissible considering a maximum staying
time of six hours due to easy access and serves
as open flyway for forest birds and concealment
places for shore birds. The determined PCC has
a total of 784 visits/day.
The south-western part of Puerto
Princesa normally has 12-hour of sunshine/day
[excessive sunshine (CFeSunshine)] which is
usually observed between 10:00-15:00 (5 hours)
which is not favourable for trekking and bird-
ing. There are fairly equal number of dry
(November-April) and rainy (May-October)
season, both of which have the same 180 days/
year. The excessive sunshine during rainy days
is usually between 10:00-12:00 (2 hours) and
5
only 5 hours of available sunshine between
10:00-15:00. The limiting magnitude (ML)
variable has a total of 1,260 total hours of
excessive sunshine/year while the total
magnitude (Mt) has a total of 3,060 hours of
sunshine/year. Therefore, the excessive
sunshine Cf has limitation of 41.18%. There
are about 180 days of rainy season/year
(Cfrain) with rainfalls between 06:00-10:00 and
13:00-15:00 or 7 hours of limiting rain
(ML=1,260 hours of limiting rain/year) and a
total of 4,320 visiting hours/year (Mt). The
rainfall correction factor is 29.17% limitation.
Both Bual-bualan and Lalawigan was
considered to have a certain degree of
difficulty due to slope of the trail with a
weighing factor of 1 (medium difficulty
sectors having 10-20% slope) and 1.5 (high
difficulty sectors having >20% slope). A total
allowable distance of trail for birding activity
in Bual-bualan is 3,340m (with 566m and
555m as medium and high difficulty sector,
respectively). In Lalawigan, a total distance
trail allowed is 1,370m and a trail of 298m as
high difficulty area. The accessibility
correction factor for Cfacc1 is limited to
41.87%while Cfacc2 is 32.63%. These sites
were considered to have certain risk of erosion
due to slope of the trail. A weighing factor of
1 (medium risk of erosion with 10-20% slope)
and 1.5 (high risk with >20% slope) was used.
Bual-bualan has a total of 3,340m length of
trail that is allowable for birding activity
(442m and 182m of which has medium and
high erosion risk, correspondingly). In
Lalawigan, 1,370m is allowed for bird
watching with 391m of high erosion risk. The
erodability correction factor for Cferod1 has
21.41% and 17.56% limitation.
The disturbance to wildlife (Cfbio) is
limited to 33.33% considering that all IBA-
trigger species are vulnerable to disturbed
condition as a result of visitation; and
susceptible nesting season from March to
June. The total computed RCC in Bual-
bualan; Lalawigan Watershed Trail, and
Table 5. Computed Number of Visitors/Day in Three Locations in Brgy. Simpokan.
Level of Carrying Capacity
Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC)
Real Carrying Capacity (RCC)
Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC)
©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
Coastal Nature Trail is 53, 21 and 218 visits/
day, respectively. The overall summary of
the computations for tourism carrying capac-
ity in three locations were shown in Table 5.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Nation-
al Park (PH052), Brgy. Tagabinet and
Cabayugan
Some of the most visited birding
sites in Puerto Princesa City are Liang and
Maligaya Roadside Trail in Brgy. Tagabinet
and PPSRNP Central Park Station, PPUR
Ranger Station and ATV Track Site in Brgy.
Cabayugan. These sites were visited
frequently by both foreign and domestic
tourist mostly commercial birders and pho-
tographers.
The forest cover of Liang is one of
the best sites in the marginal lowland forest
of Tagabinet. Birdwatching in this area is
only accessible along the road which is
recommended for one-way visitor influx to
gain public safety against busy traffic. Each
standing person shall be allowed for a free
open space of 15m2. Each visiting group
could occupy a total trail length of 15m
with a maximum of 11 visiting groups at the
same time. A total of 165m roadside trail
will be required for public use with a
distance of 100m between groups. The
determined total PPC is 218 visits/day.
Maligaya roadside trail resembles some of
the features of Liang. However, it has a
maximum trail length of 180m and a PPC of
238 visits/day.
The PPSRNP Central Park Station is
an open area in Sabang, Cabayugan which
has limited access to visitor but provides
best area for birders. There was no
established nature trail, thus, an open space
of 25m2 is recommended for each standing
person to move freely. Each visiting group
(max of 17 groups at the same time) could
occupy a total area of 125m2 for birding
related activity. These groups would require
a maximum area of 2,125m2 for public use
Lalawigan Coastal Road
Bual-bualan
Watershed
Nature Trail Nature Trail
Trail
416 134 784
53 21 218
ECC was not computed due to limitations on manage-
ment interventions such as personnel, infrastructure and
financial support for birding related activity.
6
 with 200m2 space between groups. A correction factor of 38.89% limitation.
permissible daily visits of 2.5 times to a site The accessibility and erodability
was determined considering a maximum correction factor for birding areas in
staying time of 4 hours – available for Tagabinet and Cabayugan were not computed
exploring the varying terrains of marginal since the roadside birding site in Liang and
lowland mixed secondary and coastal beach Maligaya, Tagabinet were located along the
forest. The total PCC was 213 visits/day. paved road without threat of erosion; while all
Adjacent to this is the coastal beach forest of PPSRNP birding sites are accessible to vis-
patch in the PPUR Ranger Station that is open itation. The disturbance to wildlife (CFbio) is
for tourists. The presence of mangrove limited to 33.33 % considering the avian
boardwalk is the only established nature trail. species are vulnerable to disturbance due to
It is recommended that each standing person visitation and nesting season from March to
must occupy an area of 25m2. The total PCC June. The computed total RCC in Liang,
is 120 visits/day (2.5 times of permissible Maligaya, CPS, UR Ranger Station, and ATV
daily visits with maximum of 4-hour staying Track Site were 42, 46, 41, 23, and 16 visits/
time for restricted range or endemic bird day, respectively. The overall summary of the
species inhabiting the lowland mixed computations for tourism carrying capacity is
secondary and coastal beach forest). shown in Table 6.
Night-time birding activity is
considered at the PPSRNP All-Terrain Community Profiling
Vehicle (ATV) track site due to the presence The identified birding destination sites
of nocturnal birds in a secondary logged over were not spared from human habitation. There
canopy forest patch and is open for visitors. are indigenous people, tenured migrants and
There is a defined meandering nature informal settlers that are tending fractions of
adventure trail designed for the ATV. For land within birding sites. In Brgy. Simpokan,
every visits, there should be a maximum of 7 the area of Bual-bualan is considered the
groups which can occupy a total area of primary bird watching site. It has an estimated
125m2 open free spaces for birding activity attotal population of 1,149 residents with 286
the same time. A maximum area of 875 m2 households having an average family size of 2
may be allowed for public use with recom- to 4 members. The ethnic groups are
mended space of 200 m2 between groups. A comprised of Cuyonon (42%), Tagbanua
total of 82 visits per day (PCC) were calcu- (35%), Tagbanua-Ilocano groups (30%) and
lated with permissible daily visits of 2.33 Bisaya (25%). Farming is the primary liveli-
times and maximum staying time of 3 hours. hood source while gathering of non-timber
The north-western part of Puerto forest product (e.g. rattan and almaciga) is
Princesa resembles some of the south-western secondary. Other alternative livelihoods
features such as excessive sunshine and rain- include fishing and gardening. About 27% of
fall. The ML variable has a total of 1,080 the respondents’ household were able to attain
hours of excessive sunshine/year while the secondary level; 22% reached primary; and
total magnitude (Mt) of 2,040 sunshine/year; 7% obtained tertiary education. The
thus, a Cfsunshine of 52.94% limitation. Heavyremaining 44% did not specify their level of
and light rains occur from May to December educational attainment.
and January to April, respectively. Most of the best birding sites in the
Wet season occurs for about 240 days PPSRNP situated in Brgy. Cabayugan
with 7-hour limiting rain/day or a total of represent the largest land area of the Park and
1,680 hours of limiting rain/year (ML); 4,320 residing communities. There was an average
visiting hours/year (Mt)’ and a rainfall household size of five members. The ethnic
groups include: Tagalog (34%), Cuyunon
Table 6. Computed Number of Visitor s/Day in Five Locations in PPSRNP.
Tagabinet Cabayugan
Level of Carrying Capacity Central
Liang Maligaya PPUR ATV Track
Park
Physical Carrying Capacity
218 238 213 120 82
(PCC)
Real Carrying Capacity (RCC) 42 46 41 23 16
Effective Carrying Capacity ECC was not computed due to limitations on management interven-
tions such as personnel, infrastructure and financial support for bird-
(ECC) ing related activity.
©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 7
(17%), Pangasinense (15%), Ilonggo/Waray-
waray (10%), Bisaya (7%), Ilokano (7%),
Bicolano (5%), Cebuano (2.5%) and
combination of Cuyunon and Ilokano (2.5%).
Increase in birdwatching activities were seen
by some residents as potential alternative
livelihood. These residents were mostly
employed (29%) in hotels/resorts, park,
construction firm, people’s organization and
barangay; 27% are engaged in farming; 7% in
tailoring, handicraft making and driving; sari-
sari store (5%), boat hiring (2%), while others
are housewives, retiree/no occupation and
students. It is considered to be a fast
developing barangay due to the influx of
tourists and job opportunities in the area.
Large portion of the population (about 49%)
was able to attend tertiary level, 39% in
secondary; and 12% in primary education.
However, there are still members of the
community, specifically those who belong to
the senior group, who were not able to go to
schools.
Community perceptions on Environmental
Sustainability
Seventy-nine percent of the respond-
ents strongly agree that forests are very crucial
to prevent biodiversity loss and soil erosion.
The community concurred that clearing of
forest would result to deterioration of wildlife
species including clean air and water. The
community also supported the need to
restrict development in some forested and
coastal areas to sustain the biodiversity.
Majority of the respondents agreed that wild
birds have value to people and may bring
positive effect on the livelihood of the
community through bird watching activities;
that the marine and coastal areas are relevant
for tourism, development of resorts, and other
recreational activities.
The City Government declared
portions of Sitio Lalawigan and Sitio Bual-
bualan, containing an area of 5,187.06m2 as
Simpokan Community Watershed and Eco-
tourism Park Reserve through City Ordinance
No. 513 in 2012 to ensure the sustainability of
the ecosystem functions and services. These
merits protection and conservation to en-
sure the remaining wildlife habitat and in ap-
prehension that old growth trees, including
the water system might be affected by anthro-
©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
pogenic stress. Meanwhile, most of the birding
destinations in Brgy. Cabayugan and Tagabi-
net are within the declared protected area.
4. CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION
AND POLICY IMPLICATION
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean
River National Park and the Victoria-
Anepahan Range in this western slope of
Puerto Princesa still provide evidence that
support the populations of Important
Birds Area (IBA) trigger species. The
endemics and restricted-range species with
threatened status including its subspecies were
abundantly observed in lowland primary and
secondary forest along the roadside and
coastal beaches birding areas. Presence of
anthropogenic pressures in the foothills of
Barangay Simpokan is an imminent threat for
the long term survival of canopy-dwelling
species. Restricted-range coastal beach forest
species in PPUR are being accustomed to
human interactions.
The computed carrying capacities of
the presented birding destinations in core zone
area as critical habitats for restricted-range
species will be manageable with the
cooperation of concerned government
agencies and indigenous communities.
Limiting factors such as visitor influx,
weather, and slope of trail have contributed to
the changes in daily visitation and visitor’s
access. A considerable low level of
disturbance to wildlife was a result of
community’s optimistic perception towards
the environment.
Organization and training of
community birdwatchers guide and/or
wardening scheme would enhance the safe-
guarding of feeding and breeding grounds of
threatened birds in the western side of Puerto
Princesa City. Thus, it is further recommended
that a Birding Code of Conduct and a policy
regulating the tourist/visitor access in
Simpokan and PPSRNP birding sites must be
formulated and implemented. The national
and local government units must support the
strict implementation of the computed
carrying capacity in each destination sites.
Protocols on habitat protection and birdwatch-
ing must be included in various billboards in-
stalled in designated birding areas in support
for the carrying capacity prescriptions.
8
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We extend our sincere thanks to the
following persons and institutions for their
support to the study: Barangay Chairman Hon.
Manuel ‘Boy” Macasaet and the council
members; PPSRNP Park Manager Elizabeth
Maclang and Park Rangers; the ECAN Policy
Research Division of the Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development Staff; Birdwatch
Palawan Ornithological Society; and most
especially to the community birding guides of
Brgy. Simpokan.
REFERENCES
Anda, R.D. and J.G. Tabangay-Baldera (Eds).
(2004). Surublien: Strategies to Con-
serve Palawan’s Biodiversity. Provin-
cial Government of Palawan, Palawan
Council for Sustainable Development
Staff, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources-MIMAROPA Re-
gion IV, Palawan NGO Network, Inc.,
and Conservation International Philip-
pines, Puerto Princesa City, Philip-
pines. 124pp.
Bunce, L. and B. Pomeroy. (2003). Socioeco-
nomic Monitoring Guidelines for
Coastal Managers in Southeast Asia:
SocMon SEA. World Commission on
Protected Areas and Australian Insti-
tute of Marine Science, 2003.
Catibog-Sinha C.S., Heaney L.R. (2006). Phil-
ippine Biodiversity: Principles and
Practice. Quezon City: Haribon Foun-
dation for the Conservation of Natural
Resources, Inc. 495 pp.
City Ordinance No. 513, (2012). An Ordi-
nance Declaring Portions of Sitio Lala-
wigan and Sitio Bual bualan both of
Barangay Simpocan, containing an
area of Five Thousand One Hundred
Eighty Seven Hectares and Six Hun-
dred Square Meters (5,187.06) as Sim-
pocan Community Watershed and
Ecotourism Park Reserve.
City Planning and Development Office.
(2013). Puerto Princesa City Compre-
hensive Development Plan. Puerto
Princesa City, Philippines.
DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2004
-15. (2004). Establishing the List of
Threatened Species and Their Catego-
ries, and the List of Other Wildlife
Species under the jurisdiction of
DENR Pursuant to Republic Act No.
9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife
Resources Conservation and Protec-
tion Act of 2001.
©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
IUCN/UNEP/WWF. (1991). Caring for the
Earth. A Strategy for Sustainable Liv-
ing. Gland, Switzerland.
Kennedy, R. S., P. C. Gonzales, E. C. Dickin-
son, H. C. Miranda, Jr, and T. H. Fish-
er. (2000). A Guide to the Birds of the
Philippines. Oxford University Press.
Oxford. Octavo, paperback, 369 pp. 72
colour plates.
Mallari, N.A.D., B.R.Tabaranza, Jr., and M.J.
Crosby. (2001). Key conservation Sites
in the Philippines: a Haribon Founda-
tion & Birdlife International Directory
of Important Bird Areas. Bookmark,
Inc. Makati City.
McNeely, J.A., J. Thorsell, and H. Ceballos-
Lascuráin. (1992). Guidelines: Devel-
opment of National Parks and Protected
Areas for Tourism.WTO/UNEP/IUCN,
Madrid.
Ong P.S., L.E. Afuang, and R.G. Rosell-
Ambal (Eds) (2002). Philippine Biodi-
versity Conservation Priorities: A Sec-
ond Iteration of the National Biodiver-
sity Strategy and Action Plan. Depart-
ment of Environment and Natural Re-
sources – Protected Areas and Wildlife
Bureau, Conservation International
Philippines, Biodiversity Conservation
Program – University of the Philippines
Center for Integrative and Develop-
ment Studies, and Foundation for Phil-
ippine Environment, Quezon City,
Philippines.
Ortega, J. L. C., R. M. C. Dagostino, A. L. C.
Magaña. (2011). Estimating Carrying
Capacity in a Natural Protected Area as
a Conservation Strategy, IAIA11 Con-
ference Proceedings, Impact Assess-
ment and Responsible Development for
Infrastructure, Business and Industry,
31st Annual Meeting of the Interna-
tional Association for Impact Assess-
ment. 28 May- 4 June 2011, Centro de
Convenciones, Puebla - Mexico
(www.iaia.org). 5pp.
Paguntalan, L.M. L. Jonasson, and P. Jonas-
son. (2008). Bird Observations in Sim-
pocan, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Phil-
ippines. Final Report June 2008. Cebu
Biodiversity Conservation Foundation
Inc., 18 Diamond St., Gemsville Subd.,
Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines and
Club 300 Foundation for Bird Protec-
tion, Hjortgatan 16 A SE-223 50 Lund,
Sweden. 15pp.
PCSDS (2006). Fauna Report for Puerto
Princesa City Final Report. Palawan
9
 Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development, Sta. Monica Heights,
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan,
Philippines 5300.
PCSDS Res. 10-413. (2010). Approving the
2010 updated list of terrestrial and
marine wildlife in Palawan and their
categories pursuant to Republic Act
9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife
Resources Conservation and
Protection Act.
SCWEP (2011). Simpocan Community
Watershed and Ecotourism Project Fi-
nal Report, Barangay Council of Sim-
pocan and the DENR PENRO & CEN-
RO Technical Working Group.
Tupas, J. M. and R. Cruz. (2008). Bird watch-
ing at Sitio Bual-bualan, Barangay
Simpucan, Puerto Princesa City. Bird-
watch Palawan Ornithological Society,
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. 5pp.
Website
BirdLife International (2013a). Species fact-
sheet: A nthracoceros marchei. Re-
trieved from http://www.birdlife.org.
Accessed on 10/27/2013.
BirdLife International (2013b). Species fact-
sheet: Prioniturus platenae. Retrieved
from http://www.birdlife.org. Ac-
cessed on 10/27/2013.
Birdlife International. (2011). Endemic Bird
Area factsheet. Retrieved from http://
www.birdlife.org. Accessed on
06/15/2013.
Birdlife International. (2013c). Endemic Bird
Area factsheet: Palawan. Retrieved
from http://www.birdlife.org. Ac-
cessed on 06/15/2013.
Birdlife International. (2013d). Important Bird
Areas factsheet: Victoria and Anepa-
han Ranges. Retrieved from http://
www.birdlife.org. Accessed on
06/15/2013.
Ceballos-Lascuráin, H. (1996). Tourism, eco-
tourism and protected areas, http://
data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/html/tourism/
section9.html.
Palawan scops-owl (Otus fuliginosus).
Endemic. Near Threatened (IUCN).
A lowland specialist known only in Palawan.
It is associated with Karst/limestone where it
roost during the day. This is the only endemic
owl in this island. ©Rommel M. Cruz.
©2016 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
Cifuentes Arias, M. (1992). Determinación de
Capacidad de CargaTurística en Areas
Protegidas. Centro Agronómico Tropi-
cal de Investigación y Enseñanza
(CATIE). Serie Técnica, Informe Téc-
nico No. 194. Turrialba, Costa Rica. In:
J. L. C. Ortega, R. M. C. Dagostino,
and A. L. C. Magaña. (2011). Estimat-
ing Carrying Capacity In A Natural
Protected Area as a Conservation Strat-
egy. A Conference Paper: Impact As-
sessment and Responsible Develop-
ment, at Puebla, Mexico,
DOI: 10.13140/2.1.5037.0886. 7pp. Re-
trieved from: https://
www.researchgate.net/ profile/
JoseCornejo-Ortega/publications/2. Ac-
cessed on 06/14/2013.
Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic
of South Africa. Methodology for Car-
rying Capacity Assessment. (2013). Re-
trieved from http://www.dwaf.gov.za/
docs/SocialEcoServices/
Methodologyforcarryingcapacity.doc.
Accessed on 09/12/2013.
IUCN (2013). The IUCN Red List of Threat-
ened Species. Version 2013. 2. Re-
trieved from <http://
www.iucnredlist.org>. Accessed on
11/21/2013.
Wolters, T.M. (1991). Tourism Carrying Ca-
pacity. WTO/UNEP, Paris. In: Ceballos
-Lascuráin, H. (1996). Tourism, eco-
tourism and protected areas, IV World
Congress on National Parks and Pro-
tected Areas, IUCN Protected Areas
Programme, IUCN – The World Con-
servation Union 1996. Assessment,
Monitoring and Management Tech-
niques. Retrieved from http://
data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/html/tourism/
section9.html. Accessed on 06/14/2013.
10