ANIMALS COMING BACK FROM EXTINCTION

ANIMALS COMING BACK FROM EXTINCTION There has been a growing number of reports about animals that were once considered extinct making a comeback. These stories are inspiring, but they also raise important questions. Are these animals truly coming back from extinction, or were they simply thought to have disappeared, only to reappear in the public view? In some cases, what we call extinction might just be an error in observation. Some animals were assumed to be gone forever, only for small populations to be rediscovered. However, there are also cases where a species has completely vanished, leaving behind only DNA samples. Scientists are now exploring the possibility of bringing these species back through a process called de-extinction. The Philippines, as a developing nation, may not yet have the resources for ambitious de-extinction programs. However, this should not stop us from taking serious measures to conserve our endangered and critically endangered species. Bringing back endemic Philippine species that are on the brink of extinction does not necessarily have to cost too much—it simply requires strategic planning and collaboration. According to global conservation standards, species with fewer than 250 mature individuals are considered critically endangered. This means they are just one step away from extinction. We should start with these species, identifying their populations, their locations, and their threats. Without this knowledge, how can we even begin to protect them? Once we have clear data, local government units (LGUs) should be empowered with resources to conduct conservation efforts at the community level. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) alone cannot do this job. Wildlife conservation requires a "whole-of-government" and "whole-of-nation" approach. Both the public and private sectors must work together to protect our rich biodiversity. Conservation is not just about saving individual species. It is about preserving entire ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. This is crucial because a balanced ecosystem benefits not just wildlife but also human communities that depend on these natural resources. One key question remains: Does the government have a database of all ongoing wildlife conservation programs? If not, then how can we effectively track and support efforts to save our endangered species? Looking at global success stories, we find hope. The California condor, once down to just 22 individuals, has recovered due to intensive breeding programs. The Amur leopard, once at the brink of extinction, now has a growing population thanks to conservation efforts. The Javan rhino, though still critically endangered, has seen population stability due to habitat protection. These cases prove that with commitment, species can recover. We need to take inspiration from these efforts and implement similar initiatives here in the Philippines. If other nations can save their endangered species, why can't we? Wildlife conservation is not just about nostalgia for animals lost. It is about the future—about ensuring that generations after us will still live in a world teeming with life and diversity. The time to act is now. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-18-2025