The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) have teamed up to enhance conservation efforts for the critically endangered tamaraw, a species of dwarf buffalo native to Mindoro.
During a turnover ceremony held Monday at the DENR central office in Quezon City, TMP formally donated a Tamaraw vehicle and 30 Bantay Tamaraw kits to support frontline rangers and conservation teams working in remote areas of the island.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said the partnership reinforces the country’s commitment to protecting its biodiversity.
“This turnover of the Next Generation Tamaraw vehicle and Bantay Tamaraw kits represents more than just the handover of essential equipment and a vehicle. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting and preserving our country’s biodiversity with like-minded international partners,” she said.
The vehicle will be used primarily for field missions in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP), the tamaraw’s main habitat. The kits include protective gear, camping supplies, and field monitoring equipment for use by the Bantay Tamaraw rangers—many of whom come from local and indigenous communities.
“We must also take care of those who are at the frontline of conservation. Our Bantay Tamaraw, composed of dedicated individuals from local communities and indigenous groups, work tirelessly often in difficult and risky situations to safeguard the species and their habitats,” Loyzaga added.
Based on the latest traditional intensive concentration count conducted from March 25 to April 1, the tamaraw population within MIBNP is estimated at around 351. Across Mindoro, total population estimates range between 574 and 610 individuals.
Loyzaga noted that this baseline is crucial for assessing conservation progress and guiding future strategies. To improve population monitoring, DENR is currently conducting more advanced methods, such as the Double Observer Point Count and the Double Observer Distance Sampling of dung within protected areas.
Outside of MIBNP, tamaraw populations have also been confirmed in the Aruyan-Malati Tamaraw Reservation in Sablayan, Mt. Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary in Paluan, and the Upper Amnay Tamaraw Habitat across Occidental and Oriental Mindoro.
Despite signs of wider distribution, the tamaraw remains critically endangered due to ongoing threats including poaching, habitat loss, and climate change.
To support better deployment and field tracking, the DENR will install a GPS tracker on the donated vehicle. Loyzaga also emphasized the importance of moving beyond preservation toward active rebuilding of the tamaraw population through future breeding initiatives.
The partnership is part of broader efforts to mobilize both public and private sector support for endangered species conservation and sustainable environmental protection in the Philippines.