Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recorded numerous sightings of whale sharks or ‘butandings’ in the Philippines and recently, 14 were found in Sarangani Bay, according to MBlife.
Moreover, it is already official that “Philippines hosts the second largest known population of whale sharks in the world”, based from the Wildbook for Whale Sharks.
As cited in the report, DENR Region 12 officer stated that after the sighting near General Santos City last March 9, there are already 16 whale sharks in the Philippines.
“According to a global online library providing visual database of whale shark encounters around the world, Wildbook for Whale Sharks, Philippines as the second largest known population of whale sharks in the world because of the latest record acquired in Sarangani Bay”.
The new record of the Philippines overtook Australia’s record being the second best.
Accordingly, Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAVE) Research Institute reported that Mexico is still the largest habitat of whale sharks in the world with more than 2,400 whale shark population.
Significantly, LAMAVE stated in a press release that efforts made by the Philippines such as highlights the global significance of the archipelago for this endangered species, and emphasizes the country as a conservation leader for the species in South East Asia, made the country progress.
“Task Force Butanding-GenSan, a group responsible for the protection and conservation of whale sharks, recommended city officials to lead a proposed ordinance that could help in keeping the species protected and safe”, based from the Philippine News Agency report.
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The Philippines is now the second largest habitat of whale sharks