Special conservation campaigns for selected wildlife species

In some instances, the protection of wildlife is so urgent that special actions are mounted. Examples are the conservation programs for the Philippine Eagle, Black Shama, Marine Turtles, Philippine Crocodile, Spotted Deer and Wild Boar.

Habitat restoration or rehabilitation

You can assist in habitat restoration or rehabilitation by:

· participation in reforestation projects, mangrove replanting and in the establishment of artificial reefs.

Habitat restoration or rehabilitation

Zoo modification and improvement programs

Ideally, wildlife should not be kept in zoos, where these are caged, out of their natural habitats and isolated from their kind. However, some zoos are operated for educational, scientific and tourism purposes. A zoo can be modified by a larger space and by-inclusion of endemic species. You can help in any of the following ways:

· Check zoo conditions and report animal cruelty and poor conditions.

· Promote visits to a good zoo. (i.e., Animals are properly cared for and their living places are clean.)

· Raise funds for animal feeds.

· Volunteer your time/services for simple but necessary chores.

· Conduct information/education campaigns, especially about endangered species inside the zoo.

Zoo modification and improvement programs

Comanagement or the management of specific projects in protected areas

Protected areas are under the responsibility and authority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. However, the government needs support of people and organizations to properly operate them. Some organizations assist by comanaging these areas while others do by managing a project. There may be something you can also do, like any of the following:

· Volunteer as Park guard, guide, first aider and for other necessary services within your capacity.

· Donate or raise funds for garbage cans, trail signs, water buckets and other materials.

· Suggest improvements in the park site which enhances its ecological balance.

· Promote bird watching and other educational, wholesome activities.

· Conduct information/education campaigns about the wildlife found in the area

Comanagement or the management of specific projects in protected areas

Acquiring property rights of wildlife habitat to preserve an endangered species

Usually, the environmental group opts for this action when the habitat of a wildlife it seeks to preserve is located in private lands. Donations of such lands can be solicited; however, when such is not feasible, there is a need to purchase. You can do any of the following to help the lead/coordinating agency or institution:

· Raise funds.

· Conduct information and education campaigns about the project and its importance.

Acquiring property rights of wildlife habitat to preserve an endangered species

Captive breeding programs

This action is resorted to when the propagation of a race and endangered species-cannot just be left to natural processes in the wilds. Technical resources, sophisticated laboratory equipment and substantial funding may be demanded. Some of the present captive breeding programs in the country are those of the Philippine Eagle conducted by the Philippine Eagle Conservation Foundation in Davao, the Spotted

Deer by the Silliman University in Dumaguete City and the Philippine Crocodile by the DENR in Palawan. You can help in any of the following ways:

· Locate individuals of species in the wilds which are endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, poaching or are in the custody of pet-raisers and other private individuals. Facilitate their donation to the captive breeding program.

· Conduct information/education campaigns to rehabilitate natural habitats and to protect individuals in the wilds.

· Raise funds for additional research equipment and laboratory facilities.

Captive breeding programs

You can further contribute your time and effort to the support activities of these special conservation campaigns, like community organizing, information/education activities, resource mobilization, etc.

Ideas for Action:

A Technology Information Kit November 23 - 28, 1992