SAVING THE VISAYAN SPOTTED DEER

SAVING THE VISAYAN SPOTTED DEER I admit it. I sometimes feel jealous when I read about the wildlife conservation success stories of other countries—wolves returning to Europe, condors flying again in the Americas, tigers slowly rebounding in parts of Asia. And then I look around our own backyard and ask: why can’t we tell more success stories of our own? For years, I have written about protecting endemic and native species. Too often, however, the stories are either tragic or unfinished. Species disappear quietly. Programs start and fade. Or perhaps good things are happening, but nobody bothers to tell the public. That is why I genuinely felt excited when I learned about the successful conservation breeding of the Lagsaw—the Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi). The Lagsaw is one of the most endangered mammals in the Philippines, found only in the remaining forests of Negros and Panay. Estimates suggest that fewer than 700 mature individuals remain in the wild. Habitat loss, hunting, and forest fragmentation nearly pushed it to extinction. And yet, against the odds, it is now being bred, studied, and prepared for reintroduction through serious, science-based conservation programs. What makes this story even more encouraging is how it is being done. The effort is led by Silliman University in Dumaguete, in partnership with UP Visayas and the Philippine Genome Center. This is inter-university academic cooperation at its best. It is also a fine example of public–private collaboration, with Silliman—a private institution—playing a central role alongside state universities and government-supported research bodies. Through captive breeding, genetic monitoring, and habitat restoration, these institutions are doing more than just keeping deer alive in enclosures. They are safeguarding genetic diversity, preparing animals for release, and working with protected areas such as the Northern Negros Natural Park and the Panay Mountain Range. This is not guesswork. Conservation genomics—yes, genome sequencing—is now part of the program. That alone tells us this is not a token project, but a serious attempt to prevent extinction. So now I ask: can we replicate this model? If we can do it for the Lagsaw, why not for other threatened species? Can we apply similar conservation breeding frameworks to endangered native fish such as pijanga, gingaw, pigok, and ludong? These are not just fish; they are part of local food culture and river ecology. Once they disappear, no amount of regulation can bring them back. And what about birds? Surely, our conservation narrative cannot begin and end with the Philippine eagle. There are many lesser-known endemic birds quietly slipping away without fanfare or funding. I will even push the question further: can we eventually include my personal favorite, the Philippine Forest Dog, the so-called Asong Gubat? Whether one sees it as a distinct species or a unique landrace, it represents another disappearing thread in our biocultural fabric. The Lagsaw project shows us what works: science-led programs, strong academic institutions, partnerships with communities, and long-term commitment. It also shows us that conservation does not always need grand new agencies. Sometimes, what we need is to empower universities, enforce existing laws like the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), and fund programs that already deliver results. Most importantly, it reminds us that success stories do exist here—when we choose to support them. Saving the Visayan Spotted Deer is not just about one animal. It is proof that Filipinos can protect their own natural heritage when knowledge, cooperation, and quiet persistence come together. We should tell this story more often—and then ask, seriously and urgently: which species do we save next? BY RAMON IKE V. SENERES www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com senseneres.blogspot.com 09088877282/11-01-2026