The Philippines is a treasure trove of biodiversity, and proof of the unique flora and fauna endemic to the archipelago are the critically-endangered tamaraws.
Fortunately, through the initiatives and relentless efforts of the Mindoro Biodiversity and Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI) together with other partners, the tamaraws of Mindoro can now look forward to a better tomorrow.
“Amid an unprecedented global health crisis, it was a time for us to reflect, re-strategize, and rebuild a more environmentally-responsible world,” MBCFI Executive Director Grace Diamante said.
“The tamaraw is our national pride. Their future as a critically endangered species lies in our hands, and it is our duty as Filipinos to protect our national emblem for biodiversity,” she added.
First documented in 1888, the tamaraw, with the scientific name Bubalus mindorensis, is a wild cattle species that have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. It is a small-hoofed mammal belonging to the water bovine family. Considering that it is a dwarf water buffalo, the tamaraw is regarded as the largest endemic land mammal in the Philippines.
The MBCFI, a non-stock, non-profit organization, was organized through the efforts of the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Program (PBCP), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. with support from Malampaya Joint Venture Partners.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Departure of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officially listed the tamaraw as critically endangered in 2000.
The most critical factor that continues to threaten their very survival is the deterioration of their habitat due to infrastructure development, illegal logging, and deforestation. To date, there are less than 500 Tamaraws left in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park.
Mounts Iglit-Baco does not only serve as a home for the tamaraws, but also to the Mangyans, the ethnic group of Mindoro Island who believe that when the tamaraws cease to exist, they too will cease to exist.
To protect the tamaraws, some Mangyan tribe members have become tamaraw rangers and wardens to protect the habitats of these valued creatures and defend them from poaching.
In order to secure the bright future of biodiversity in Mindoro, especially the endemic tamaraw, Diamante said there has to be a strong collaboration across the different sectors of society. One such avenue where the public and civil society can express their support is through the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Center (MBCC) which broke ground and first started construction in Puerto Galera in September 2020.
The creation of this iconic building measuring will be a physical embodiment of sustainability, benefiting both the present and future generations by underscoring the symbiotic relationship between people and natural resources. It will feature facilities such as a museum, research laboratory, library, an amphitheater, heritage hall, view deck, audio-visual room, conference and training rooms. The center will also have an ecolodge, camping area, greenhouse area, and nature trail.
“We are inviting the public to partner with us in completing the conservation center by donating to our foundation,“ Diamante said.