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R U G G E D E S C A P E S
While its coastlines are extraordinary,
what propelled the little known island
of Calayan to global attention in recent
years was an avian discovery in its
lush interiors.
“What brings you to our faraway
island?” asks a friendly villager, who
was collecting shellfish, crab and other
low-tide edibles along the tidal flats
of Sibang Cove. “Are you here for the
piding
?” He is referring to the Calayan
rail
(Gallirallus calayanensis),
an island-
endemic species of flightless bird
found only in the jungles of the
eponymous island.
The
piding,
its local name, was
discovered by science during a
faunal survey only eight years ago.
Approximately the size of a crow, the
Calayan rail has dark olive brown
plumage accented with a red-orange
beak and legs. Biologists estimate
that only around 200 pairs remain.
“It was a life-changing experience for
P
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Only one in our group briefly spotted the
bird through the brush, while most of us
barely heard their calls — a distinct
kek-
kek-kek
— through the loud cacophony
of the jungle. For one thing, the riotous
vegetation proved to be a challenging
environment to find this elusive animal,
which forages the forest floor for snails
and insects. Moreover, the seasonal
din of cicadas drowned the playback of
prerecorded chorus calls administered
by our guide, rendering them less
effective in attracting the rails.
The
piding
or Calayan rail
was discovered by science
during a faunal survey only
eight years ago
Fresh catch
of the day
The Calayan rail isn’t the only species that
makes the island a must-visit — the island
boasts a variety of bird and marine life
me,” recounts Filipino conservationist
Carl Oliveros, who was part of the
international team that chanced
upon the bird in 2004. “Since the
discovery, we set up a small NGO and a
conservation project on the island.”
In search for this rare bird, we trudge
the muddy trails of Mt. Bagasol, a dome-
shaped mountain partially designated as
a protected area belonging to the 29 sq
km Longog Wildlife Sanctuary.
Spotting this skittish creature is
nothing short of an Odyssean mission.