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For almost five years now, Haribon
has been implementing the Threatened Species Program funded by the
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. The broader objective of the
program is to arrest the threats causing the decline in endangered
species and their habitats in the Philippines with particular
reference to the Western and Central Visayas (Panay, particularly
Northwest Panay Peninsula and the Central Panay Mountains, Negros,
particularly the North Negros Forest Reserve, Mount Kanlaon,
Cuernos de Negros, and Southwest Negros; Cebu, particularly Nug-as
in Alcoy and Tabunan in Balamban) Sibuyan and Mindoro (particularly
Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro) and the Sulus (Tawi-tawi).
One of its
objectives is to build the capacity of local conservation groups and
support site-based conservation initiatives. Haribon engaged its
partners in these areas to develop site action proposals aimed at
addressing local conservation issues such as illegal wildlife trade,
hunting, kaingin and illegal logging which impinge on threatened
species. It has been inspiring to see that little efforts have
resulted in local conservation ordinances and more effective
enforcement.
Local level
work
Bantay Gubat
teams have been organized and training has been provided not only to
them but also to other stakeholders like local governments, members
of the Protected Area Management Board and selected community
members. This is all being done at the local level because of their
realization that a healthy environment spells sustained livelihood.
In Panay,
Haribon’s NGO partner is the BioResource Conservation Trust for
the Philippines Inc. (Biocon). With Biocon’s initiative, an
Initial Protected Area Plan was designed for Northwest Panay
Peninsula. Annually, the provincial governments of Panay and Antique
contribute P200,000 for its protection. Efforts toward protected
area management were also accomplished by the Center for Tropical
Ecology (Centrop) and the Silliman University-Angelo King Center for
Research and Environmental Mangement (Suakcrem) based in Silliman
University in Dumaguete City, Binhi ng Kauswagan Foundation, Inc. (BINHI)
and Negros Economic Development Foundation in Negros Occidental and
the Ting Matiao Foundation in Negros Oriental.
Correcting
data gaps
Data gaps in
research on threatened species were addressed through the awarding
of research grants. A study done by Dr. Ely Alcala of Silliman
University on the herpetofauna on the Greater Negros and Panay
Ice-Age Island revealed a new record of Gecko monarkus siting in
Iloilo and Guimaras which was originally seen only in Mindanao. A
new species of limestone frog and microhylid frog in Southwestern
Negros was discovered. But there is no description of it yet.
Another study
done by Ms. Lisa Paguntalan of Cebu Biodiversity Conservation
Foundation on the Bare-backed Fruit bat led to the sighting of the
biggest population of the newly rediscovered Wrinkled-lipped bat in
2004. It was presumed extinct but was rediscovered in Argao, Cebu,
in a UNDP GEF SGP-funded project in 2003. Dr. Maribel Agoo of De La
Salle University did a study on the conservation status of the Cycas
chamberlainii and in doing so discovered a new species, the Cycas
zambalensis which is only confined to the ultra-basic hills and
grasslands of Zambales. This is a rare plant that resembles a palm
tree.
New data
crucial
In spite of
the rapid forest destruction that we are experiencing, it is
heartening to know that new species are being discovered. Thus,
research is very important particularly about our biodiversity.
Haribon has noted that biological data on our country’s remaining
important biodiversity areas particularly in the less “popular”
hotspots is about 50 years old. Conservation measures and eventually
policies that will protect our threatened species will only be
effective if data is recent. Haribon hopes for more research support
to enable better resource management to benefit our ever growing
population.
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