𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀

In June 2024, the D'ABOVILLE Foundation, in collaboration with local and international partners from DENR- Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP), Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park - MIBNP Protected Area Management Office (PAMO), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Zoological Society of London (ZSL), and Mandai Nature, conducted a site visit in various locations throughout Mindoro to assess possible source and ex-situ sites as part of the Tamaraw Feasibility Study which aim at determining if ex-situ interventions are possible and necessary to achieve conservation objectives for the species.

The team was separated into two groups. Dr. Abraham Mathew (Deputy Vice President, Veterinary Healthcare) of Mandai Nature and Dr. Emilia Lastica (Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences) of UPLB led the team assessing Mount Iglit Baco Natural Park. Dr. Mikko Angelo Reyes (Wildlife Veterinarian) of TCP and Dr. Amanda Guthrie (Head of Wildlife Health Services, and an instructor on the Interventions in Wild Animal Health (IWAH)) led the team assessing Gene Pool Farm, Upper Busuanga, Aruyan-Malati, and Gloria as possible ex-situ sites. The two teams did the assessment from June 17-22, 2024.

During the site visit, the teams assessed various information relating to the feasibility of capture, translocation, and establishment of ex-situ conservation breeding sites for tamaraw such as (1) Biosecurity and disease risk; (2) IP presence/settlement; (3) Feasible capture/release methods; (4) Accessibility; (5) potential for human-wildlife conflict and;  (6) availability of natural resources (native plants and water accessibility). 

The participants then gathered in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro to compile and discuss the data collected. The site visit was highly informative and with the data collected, the team was able to produce a Tamaraw Structured Decision-Making Information Pack to help with the decision-making process in the long-term conservation of the Tamaraw. Part of the FS team and international partners will meet again this month to brainstorm the data collected last June and build the information needed to run population models for testing various scenarios.

This activity was supported by Fondation Segré and DENR.