(Newquay Zoo.org 2013).
Welcome to the final instalment in the series on the
threatened wildlife of Southeast Asia, this week we take a look at the threats
for the Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi, the conservation action taken and
what the future has in store for the species, as always we hope you enjoy the
blog.
Threats
The Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi, it would appear
faces a battle to save its existence, classified as Endangered by the IUCN
(IUCN 2008) their future hangs in the balance.
The main problems caused for this species are caused as is so often the case in the natural world by man. Hunting which is at its most severe in the dry season between January and June is clearly one of the biggest threats (Cox, 1987; Oliver et al 1991).
Local farmers and recreational hunters usually from the larger cities, are the main two perpetrators behind the hunting issue. Both see the Deer as a source of meat and for potential trophies, (Cox, 1987; Evans et al., 1993; Oliver, 1994; Oliver et al 1992).
Such was the devastating effect of the threats described above, that when a survey was conducted in 1991, that it was found the species had become extinct in 95 percent of its previous range ( Wemmer 1998).
There is always a risk for decline in species which are already face geographical limitations of the species then having these such alarming issues added to their list of problems, it is not surprising that this species desperately needs our help.
The main problems caused for this species are caused as is so often the case in the natural world by man. Hunting which is at its most severe in the dry season between January and June is clearly one of the biggest threats (Cox, 1987; Oliver et al 1991).
Local farmers and recreational hunters usually from the larger cities, are the main two perpetrators behind the hunting issue. Both see the Deer as a source of meat and for potential trophies, (Cox, 1987; Evans et al., 1993; Oliver, 1994; Oliver et al 1992).
Such was the devastating effect of the threats described above, that when a survey was conducted in 1991, that it was found the species had become extinct in 95 percent of its previous range ( Wemmer 1998).
There is always a risk for decline in species which are already face geographical limitations of the species then having these such alarming issues added to their list of problems, it is not surprising that this species desperately needs our help.
Conservation
Despite being fully protected under Philippine law (IUCN
2008) the remote, dense forest in which the remaining populations mainly
inhabit, mean that guarding patrols are very difficult to conduct. As a result
of this hunting continues to affect the species (Cox 1987, Whitehead 1993).
The species has been the subject of concerted conservation efforts however, and the Philippine Spotted Deer Conservation Programme has been at the heart of trying to improve the plight of this rare ungulate.
The species has been the subject of concerted conservation efforts however, and the Philippine Spotted Deer Conservation Programme has been at the heart of trying to improve the plight of this rare ungulate.
Philippine Spotted Deer Conservation Programme.
The Philippine Spotted Deer Conservation Programme, or PSDCP
for short, was set up by the Mulhouse
Zoo of France, already a member of the institution of the World Association of
Zoos and Aquariums, the German
conservation organization Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und
Populationsschutz, otherwise known as ZGAP and is based in Munich and also the
Willian Oliver of Fauna and Flora International FFI for short, as they all
combined to step into try and help a species in serious trouble. One of the
main stages to the project was to set up a captive breeding programme in the Philippines
and Europe (Waza.org no date).
The first group of the species originating from Negros,
arrived in the French zoo of Mulhouse in 1990, and after a smooth transition,
the project showed major signs of success as the individuals then started to
breed (Waza.org no date).
Eleven years on, and after detailed planning, a second group of the Deer which were unrelated to the original group, were introduced to Europe (Waza.org no date).
The project continued to expand and by 2004 a further twelve zoos spread across France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria had all joined the programme, on top of this a population from the island of Panay is now managed in populations in zoos in both Australia and the United States (Waza.org no date).
Such has been the success of the captive breeding programme that by the end of 2006, it was apparent there were almost 200 individuals of the Negros population and 50 individuals of the Panay Island population in the captive breeding programmes ( Oliver 1996; Oliver et al 2003, 2007).
As a result of this the possibility of first reintroduction of the species back into the Philippines is being discussed and as a result of this so will the increase in protected areas for the species and stronger enforcement of the protection of the species and already existed protected areas ( Oliver 1996; Oliver et al 2003, 2007).
Eleven years on, and after detailed planning, a second group of the Deer which were unrelated to the original group, were introduced to Europe (Waza.org no date).
The project continued to expand and by 2004 a further twelve zoos spread across France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria had all joined the programme, on top of this a population from the island of Panay is now managed in populations in zoos in both Australia and the United States (Waza.org no date).
Such has been the success of the captive breeding programme that by the end of 2006, it was apparent there were almost 200 individuals of the Negros population and 50 individuals of the Panay Island population in the captive breeding programmes ( Oliver 1996; Oliver et al 2003, 2007).
As a result of this the possibility of first reintroduction of the species back into the Philippines is being discussed and as a result of this so will the increase in protected areas for the species and stronger enforcement of the protection of the species and already existed protected areas ( Oliver 1996; Oliver et al 2003, 2007).
Support both financial and scientific is crucial to the
success of the project.
Through the support of 3 local breeding and rescue centres in the Philippines, the Centre for Studies in Tropical Conservation, of the Silliman University, the Biodiversity Conservation Centre of the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc and the Mari-it Conservation Park at the College of Agriculture and Forestry of the West Visayas State University (CAF/WVSU), lead by William Oliver, and backed by zoos which participated in the breeding programme, conservation organisations amongst other sources, over a 15 year period, have progressed so successfully, that they have developed into three of the best known local wildlife rescue centres having originally started with groups of rescued, confiscated and donated Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi.
The success of this programme now means that these centres continue to operate as both a breeding and rescue centre for endangered wildlife of the Philippines as well as providing employment for the local people and as a place to educate about wildlife conservation (Waza.org no date).
Through the support of 3 local breeding and rescue centres in the Philippines, the Centre for Studies in Tropical Conservation, of the Silliman University, the Biodiversity Conservation Centre of the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc and the Mari-it Conservation Park at the College of Agriculture and Forestry of the West Visayas State University (CAF/WVSU), lead by William Oliver, and backed by zoos which participated in the breeding programme, conservation organisations amongst other sources, over a 15 year period, have progressed so successfully, that they have developed into three of the best known local wildlife rescue centres having originally started with groups of rescued, confiscated and donated Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi.
The success of this programme now means that these centres continue to operate as both a breeding and rescue centre for endangered wildlife of the Philippines as well as providing employment for the local people and as a place to educate about wildlife conservation (Waza.org no date).
Flagship
Species
The Philippine Spotted Deer as the largest mammal of the
Philippines plays an important role by raising awareness to plight of the
problems mainly habitat destruction, facing the ecosystem on the island (waza.
org no date).
The Future
The future for the Philippine
Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi, is very uncertain (Cox 1987,Heaney and Regalado 1998). .
It has been put on record that unless the alarming rates of deforestation and hunting do not decrease, this species of ungulate may very soon be confined to the history books (Cox 1987,Heaney and Regalado 1998). .
A struggling economy and political unrest means that quick change to address these problems remains unlikely, and while their habitat of choice remains limited, the captive breed individuals will continue to remain in captivity (Cox 1987,Heaney and Regalado 1998).
It has been put on record that unless the alarming rates of deforestation and hunting do not decrease, this species of ungulate may very soon be confined to the history books (Cox 1987,Heaney and Regalado 1998). .
A struggling economy and political unrest means that quick change to address these problems remains unlikely, and while their habitat of choice remains limited, the captive breed individuals will continue to remain in captivity (Cox 1987,Heaney and Regalado 1998).
Recommended
steps to help the species.
1) To greatly improve the management and protection of the
already existing protected areas.
2) Establish new local conservation areas through the
Philippine "Local Government Code".
3) To conduct a new investigation into the state of the
species on Masbate, and to develop and implement any appropriate conservation management
recommendations for the protection of any remaining native forest habitats and
to investigate the possibility of the reintroduction of the species and other
endemic West Visaya species on this island, the island of Cebu and any available
areas on Panay and Negros.
4) To control and
monitor the illegal captures of the deer as well as assessing the current
status of privately held captive stocks as well as continuing in attempts to
access individuals of known origin, and attempt to expand the breeding project,
through the loan of some animals to other institutions, which are ready to
contribute towards resources and technical assistance for other relevant in
situ conservation activities under the flagship programme. This process can
then be extended towards other seriously endangered endemic Visayan species and
of course their habitats of which they depend on for survival.
(IUCN 2008).
Three ways
you can help the Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi
1) Why not sign this petition and show your support towards
saving the species
2) How about liking page for the species on Facebook? show
your support! http://www.facebook.com/PhilippineSpottedDeer
3) Why not adopt a Philippine Spotted Deer Rusa alfredi at
Newquay Zoo and play a huge role in future conservation work? For more details
on this contact the Zoo via email or telephone appropriate details can be found
on their website. http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/animals-plants/animals/details/deer-philippine-spotted
So come and get involved and you could make a huge
difference in the fortunes of this beautiful species!
I really hope you
have not only found these blogs interesting but enjoyable to read as well, even
better if they have inspired you to get involved and take action, thank you for
reading !
Newquay Zoo works with the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust to conserve threatened species and habitats http://www.wwct.org.uk/conservation-research.
References
Cox, R. 1987. The Philippine Spotted Deer & Visayan
Warty Pig. ORYX, 21: 37-42.
Evans, T. D., G. C. L. Dutson, and T. M. Brooks [editors]. 1993.
Cambridge Philippines Rainforest Project 1991, Final Report, Study Report no
54. BirdLife International, Cambridge, 96 pp.
Heaney, L., J. Regalado. 1998. Vanishing Treasures of the
Philippine Rain Forest. Chicago: The Field Museum.
Iucnredlist.org, 2008. Available at
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/4273/0. Date visited 15th January 2013.
Lorica, R. P. and Oliver, W. L. R. 2007. Reintroduction of
threatened endemic species in the West Visayas – a preliminary report on
possible future reintroduction sites. Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Government of the Philippines.
Newquayzoo.org,2013. Available at
http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/animals-plants/animals/details/deer-philippine-spotted.
Oliver, W. L. R. and Lastica, E. A. 2003. Philippine Spotted
Deer (Cervus alfredi) Conservation Programme – Programme Brief 1990-2010.
Unpublished report to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
Government of the Philippines.
Oliver, W. L. R., C. R. Cox, and L. L. Dolar. 1991. The
Philippine spotted deer conservation project. Oryx; 25(4): 199-205.
Oliver, W. L. R., Dolar, M. L. and Alcala, E. 1992. The
Philippine spotted deer, Cervus alfredi Sclater, conservation program. Silliman
Journal 36: 47-54.
Waza.org, no date. Available at http://www.waza.org/en/site/conservation/waza-conservation-projects/overview/philippine-spotted-deer-conservation.
Wemmer, C. 1998 Deer: Status Survey and Conservation Action
Plan. IUCN/SSC Deer Specialist Group, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Whitehead, K. 1993. The Whitehead Encyclopedia of Deer.
Stillwater, MN: Swan Hill Press.
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