Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife reserve in Agusan del Sur, Philippines
The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wetland covering about 40,940 hectares of interconnected lakes, rivers, and swamps in northeastern Mindanao. It forms the largest freshwater wetland ecosystem in the Philippines, with complex water channels and diverse habitats throughout its expanse.
The Philippine government established this area as a protected zone in 1996, followed by recognition as a Ramsar site in 1999. These designations marked important steps in recognizing the wetland's significance for conservation at national and international levels.
The Manobo people have built their communities here with houses on stilts and fishing practices adapted to the wetland environment. This way of living is deeply rooted in the landscape and shapes daily life throughout the sanctuary.
Visitors can explore eleven designated ecotourism sites, including Lake Panlabuhan and the Caimpugan peatland area. A local guide is helpful for navigating the waterways and spotting wildlife throughout the year.
The wetland functions as a natural water reservoir, containing about 155 interconnected lakes that collect runoff from surrounding plains. This extensive system of interconnected water bodies is one of the most complex in the region.
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