Sagip Sarihay Series features critically endangered species in the Philippines, with weekly posts of alternating plant and animal species, and with the primary aims of awareness and call to action. This series is a project of the SciTech and the VA sections of UST-CSJ. (Note: Weekly order of posting does not reflect actual order of intensity of endangerment. Database reference for selection of species is the IUCN Red List.)

SAGIP SARIHAY #22

Bubalus mindorensis (Tamaraw)

Words by: John Jerald Villamanca

Artwork by: Lemuel John Hermogino

A visual representation of a Tamaraw

Species Description |

The elusive tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is a critically endangered water buffalo species endemic to the islands of Mindoro, Philippines. Albeit it shares various similarities with the local Philippine Carabao, it is a different species that is slightly smaller and hairier. Moreover, it is solitary, possesses a shorter, V-shaped horn, and has a cultural significance in our country. These bovine species feed primarily on grasses and young bamboo shoots in open grasslands.

Locality |

At present, only three mountainous regions in islands of Occidental Mindoro contain confirmed tamaraw populations: (1) Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, (2) Mt. Aruyan, and (3) Mt. Calavite. The number of mature people is predicted to be under 250, with a projected 25% drop over the following three generations.

Threats |

Several anthropogenic factors have led to the decline of the population of tamaraws from thousands to 154 in the year 2000. The said factors include hunting and habitat destruction. Local indigenous communities (e.g., Mangyans), which inhabited the habitats of the tamaraws, have long practiced hunting for food during the lean months. Unfortunately, one of the most hunted animal species was the tamaraw. Mangyans also performed slash-and-burn farming, which substantially diminished the habitat of tamaraws. Furthermore, outsiders poaching with guns contributed to the decline of the tamaraw population.

How can we help this endangered species? |

Due to its endemicity and cultural significance, conservation efforts have been focused on preserving or improving the population of tamaraws in the country; however, these conservation acts have far-reaching implications for the rest of Mindoro’s species and the people who share their living spaces with the species. Efforts to conserve the population of tamaraws, therefore, must include the development of holistic programs to protect all of Mindoro’s wildlife, preservation of natural resources, and creation of efficient land-use systems. At present, the Philippine government, together with different Park rangers, have maintained a viable tamaraw population thanks to their program, “Tamaraw Conservation Program.”

References |

Ishihara, S., Ishida, A., Barrio, D., Lapitan, R., Atabay, E., Boyles, R., Salac, R., Leon, D., Eduarte, M., Cruz, L., & Kanai, Y. (2007). Field survey on Tamaraw(Bubalus mindorensis) — Present population size and herd behavior in the wild. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 6(sup2), 1249–1251. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.1249

Ishihara, S., Boyles, R. M., Matsubayashi, H., del Barrio, A. N., Cebrian, M. R., Ishida, A., Lapitan, R. M., Atabay, E. P., Cruz, L. C., & Kanai, Y. (2014). Long-term community-based monitoring of tamaraw Bubalus mindorensis on Mindoro Island, Philippines. Oryx, 49(2), 352–359. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605314000313

MATSUBAYASHI, H., BOYLES, R. M., SALAC, R. L., DEL BARRIO, A., CRUZ, L., GARCIA, R. A., ISHIHARA, S., & KANAI, Y. (2010). Present Status of Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) in Mt. Aruyan, Mindoro, Philippines. Tropics, 18(4), 167–170. https://doi.org/10.3759/tropics.18.167