Monitoring for the protection of wildlife

Setting up nets during a bird-banding activity and taking biometrics during a bird banding activity

Wildlife provide ecological benefits and contribute to the development of medical science. There is an abundance of wildlife and wildlife resources in the Philippines but these are rapidly vanishing due to habitat destruction, uncontrolled hunting and over-harvesting. Thus, monitoring is important. Monitoring yields data needed to formulate policies, enact laws and regulations and trigger research directed towards wildlife protection and management. Likewise, through monitoring, ecotourism opportunities are identified. Local and international support for conservation efforts are also encouraged.

How to monitor

· Know the wildlife in your locality through observations and interviews.

· Check their status with existing literature (e.g., migratory endemic, rare, endangered) and indicate their numbers. Bird-banding, including biometrics, can be conducted when technical assistance of a wildlife expert is available.

· Describe their habitats. Draw a map. If possible, observe and record habitat changes and the effects of such changes to specific species.

· Find out the attitude of people towards them (e.g., Are these considered pets or are these considered sacred?).

· Find out whether or not these wildlife are protected by laws, by community norms.

· Deposit field reports and records, including documentation materials like photographs or slides, with the wildlife expert in your community. Here are some GOs and NGOs you can contact for assistance.

Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center, Diliman, Quezon City

Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), College, Laguna 4031

Philippine Wetland and Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PWWCFI), 295 B. R. Duterte Street, Banawa, Cebu City 6000, Tel. Nos. 210-604/216-729, Fax No. (032) 210-604,

Haribon Foundation, 340 Villamor Street, San Juan, Metro Manila, Tel. Nos. 704316/784179

· Collaborate with media practitioners/wildlife experts in publishing or broadcasting your verified report for the information of community.

· Organize interested parties into a broad alliance to formulate plans. Mobilize the alliance and involve the greatest number of people in the implementation. Evaluate plans, programs and projects regularly.

Ideas for Action:

A Technology Information Kit, November 23 - 28, 1992