BukSU Conducts Flora and Fauna Surveys on Campuses and Nearby Areas

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) team of Bukidnon State University (BukSU) conducted a series of flora and fauna assessments across its campuses and neighboring barangays to understand the university’s ecological footprint, improve environmental management practices, and inform future development and conservation efforts.

The first assessments were conducted on March 12, 2024, at BukSU’s Annex A and B campuses by BS Environmental Science students, the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO), and the Planning and Development Unit (PDU). During these assessments, they cataloged various plant species to document their abundance and distribution.

On March 21, a broader flora and fauna assessment was conducted along the Sawaga River at three sampling points. Students documented plant species along the riverbanks and observed common freshwater fauna, providing insights into the river’s ecological health and emphasizing the need for its protection. The assessments continued with nighttime fauna surveys.

Furthermore, on May 9-10, at the Annex A campus, teams identified three species of fruit bats using mist nets, revealing the campus’s support for nocturnal wildlife.

Similar methods were applied at the Annex B campus on May 31-June 1, where two bat species were found, and at the Main Campus on June 1-2, identifying two more bat species.

These consistent findings across different sites highlight stable ecological conditions and are part of BukSU’s larger initiative to monitor and protect biodiversity. The collected data serves as a benchmark for future environmental planning and conservation efforts. (Gelain S. Litanon)