Wetland name: Taal Lake Country: Philippines Coordinates: 14°OON, 121°19E; Location: 60 km south of Metro Manila, central Batangas Province, Luzon. Area: 23,424 ha. Altitude: 2.5m. Biogeographical province: 4.26.12. Wetland type: 14. Description of site: A large caldera lake with an island of 4,537 ha in extent (Volcano Island) rising to 310m. The lake is fresh and oligotrophic; the maximum depth is 200m, the bottom is clay loam to sandy, and the pH values range from 7.0 to 8.5. The lake is fed by a number of streams rising on the Tagaytay Ridge adjacent to the lake, and in the Naligang, Cayluya and Palay-palay mountains to the west; it drains southwest into Pansipit River which flows into the nearby Balayan Bay at Lemery. Climatic conditions: Tropical climate with a pronounced dry season from November to April and a pronounced wet season for the rest of the year (Type I). In the southeastern part of the watershed, the seasons are less pronounced (Type III). The mean annual temperature is 2TC, mean monthly temperatures ranging from 26° to 29°C. April and May are the warmest months with a mean maximum temperature of 35°C, and December and January are the coldest with a mean minimum of 22°C. The mean annual relative humidity is 78%, the monthly means ranging from a minimum of 60% to a maximum of 92%. Principal vegetation: The dominant aquatic plants are Vallisneria sp, Eichhornia crassipes, filamentous algae, Hydrilla verticillata and Ipomoea reptans. The natural vegetation in surrounding areas is mainly composed of grasses and shrubs dominated by Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum spontaneum. Land tenure: State owned (public water). Conservation measures taken: In 1967, Volcano Island was made into a National Park, the Taal Volcano Island National Park (4,537 ha), but the lake itself is unprotected. Conservation measures proposed: None Land use: Fishing and outdoor recreation. Grazing of domestic livestock, cultivation of rice and other crops, and fruit farming in surrounding areas. There are several towns and villages around the lake. Disturbances and threats: The most serious threats to the lake are urban encroachment and the continuing deterioration of soil quality as a result of erosion. The lake basin has experienced various degrees of erosion with approximately 32% of the land area classified as strongly susceptible to erosion. A variety of exotic fish species have been introduced into the lake, and recent volcanic activity has affected the limnological characteristics of the lake. Economic and social values: Taal Lake is a very popular vacation spot; it is set amidst beautiful surroundings and includes the crater of one of the lowest volcanoes in the world. The lakesupports a major fishery for species such as milkfish Chanos chanos, common carp Cyprinus carpio, tilapia Tilapia spp, goby Glossogobius giurus, mudfish Ophicephalus striatus and ayungin Therapon plumbeus. Fauna: The lake has a rich crustacean, molluscan and fish fauna with many endemic species such as the Tawilis Harrengula tawilis. Special floral values: No information. Research and facilities: There is a PHIVOLCS station on Volcano Island, and a field station of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources near the Pansipit River. A considerable amount of research has been conducted on the limnology of the lake and its invertebrate and fish fauna. References: Luther & Rzoska (1971); National Water Resources Council (1983c). Criteria for inclusion: 1b, 2d. Source: Haribon Foundation
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 12:52:49 +0000
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