Responses of the herpetological and mammalian faunas of Negros Island, Philippines to fragmentation of the tropical rainforest

Objectives

• To ascertain the population of the threatened species and other frogs, reptiles and mammals whose conservation status is not known.
  
• To assess the quality of the habitats of these species.
  
• To institute interventions for the recovery of critically endangered species and for the improvement of their habitats.
  
• To institute programs that will mitigate conflict between man and wildlife.
  

Research Theme

• Ecological Reconstruction

Activities

• Determine population status, population density and habitat distribution.
  
• Describe habitats and microhabitats as well as altitudinal distribution for each species.
  
• Determine forest areas, caves, streams and other habitats to be protected.
  
• Locate coordinates on map and describe the area and its unique features.
  
• Determine what species occur in each site.
  
• Prepare recovery plans for specific critically endangered species.
  
• Specify roles and of local communities and local government units.
  
  

Expected Outcomes

• The project envisions to establish a community-base protective system which can function to protect wildlife at a sustainable manner. Intervention will include partial restoration of habitats. Alternative livelihood may be introduced to divert hunting. Likewise farm techniques that protect farmlands from animal invasion and improved swine husbandry techniques may be introduced to reduce conflict between man and animals and at the same time improve farm production.
  

Indicative Budget

• 48,125 euro

Duration

• Two years

Project site

• South-western Negros Island, Philippines

ARCBC Remarks

• Forms part of the studies on ecological restoration. Understanding the way forest fragments can retain biodiversity and ways to reconnect or expand forest fragments. Links also to economic studies.

Coordinator