PHILIPPINE COCKATOO CONSERVATION PROJECT
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY : Espace Zoologigue, France
COOPERATING INSTITUTION :
DATE STARTED : March 1994
FUNDING SOURCE :Espace Zoologique
BACKGROUND INFORMATION :
The Philippines Cockatoo Conservation Program (PCCP) was established in 1994 thru a 3 year MOA between the DENR and Espace Zoologique to address the conservation needs of the Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia). The Philippines Cockatoo is a bird species found only in the Philippines but which is globally considered as critically endangered.
Since 1994, the Program conducted field surveys of Cockatoo in Palawan, Mindanao, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Mindoro and Sulu Archipelago. This activity revealed that Palawan could be the last major stronghold of the Philippine Cockatoo with a population of about 750 -2,800 individuals. To date, the PCCP is focused on an in-situ conservation program in Rasa Island, Palawan. Activities being implemented under the program includes conservation research on Philippine cockatoos, habitat protection and restoration, livelihood projects, IECs and local fund raising. The program will soon include the initial assessment of the species population status in Siargao and Dinagat Islands
OBJECTIVES :
* Protection of the Philippine Cockatoo's habitats and populations including small livelihood projects to support a sustainable project for the rural community;
* To sustain one full-time Filipino Development and Information Officer for the programme to address the social components' essential for the successful project implementation;
* Conduct studies on other wildlife species as may be necessary to better understand the ecological and biological requirements of the Philippine Cockatoo
ACCOMPLISHMENTS :
* Establishment of an International Cooperative Breeding Program in Europe. This internal cooperation is manifested in the STUDBOOK of Philippine Cockatoo being maintained in zoos worldwide
* Establishment of a breeding facility for the species in Espace Zoologique and similar facility in the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center;
* Psittcine Beak and feather Disease (PBFD) monitoring in the wild;
* Protection of the cockatoo population and rehabilitation of habitat on Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan in collaboration with the local Government Units and DENR Field Offices; Two years of operations showed a positive trend in cockatoo population;
* Promotion of public awareness through various media and networking which spurred the formation of environmental organizations in Palawan (i.e. Sagip Katala Movement); and development of Provincial Memorandum Circular in Palawan enjoining all the Municipal Mayor's in the province to intensify the conservation campaign on the Phil. Cockatoo through strict protection of remaining forest resources and species trade monitoring
ON-GOING ACTIVITIES:
* Protection of the cockatoo population and rehabilitation of habitat on Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan;
* Continuing IEC programs and supervision of livelihood projects (Hog-fattening project);
* Maintenance of the breeding facility in Espace Zoologique and support to same facility in PWRRC;
* Coordination with PAWB towards the implementation of proposed Philippine cockatoo in Siargao Island.
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