PH wants 'butanding' on 'endangered' list

Whale sharks, locally called “butanding,” should be reclassified from vulnerable to endangered, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The DENR will propose the inclusion of the butanding (Rhyncodon typus) and three other migratory species for protection under the international convention of the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of Wild Animals. The Philippines is playing host to the 12th Conference of 124 State Parties to the Convention on Oct. 23-28, the first time the triennial meeting is being held in Asia.