The Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is one of the Philippines’ most iconic animal species, second only to the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in global renown. Estimated to number over 10,000 heads a century ago, this dwarf buffalo once grazed across the entirety of Mindoro – until poaching, land conversion and a deadly outbreak of cattle-killing rinderpest nearly wiped it out.  

Wildlife Icon. Animal Town features well-known Philippine animals like the Pawikan and Tamaraw, shown here. Players can build and manage their own tiny town of animals, while completing various tasks and undergoing quests. Users can donate to wildlife and biodiversity conservation via downloads, in-app purchases and by buying merchandise. (DENR-UNDP BIOFIN)

By 1969, less than 100 were thought to remain, prompting the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to declare the Tamaraw as critically endangered, a precarious step above extinction.

Vigorous conservation efforts by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) via the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP) and Tamaraw Conservation Programme (TCP) have so far staved off its demise.

Targeted by Poachers. A butchered Tamaraw, its meat cut into strips and laid out to dry in the sun, is recovered by rangers and wardens protecting the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park in August 2020. Though legally protected, Tamaraw are still occasionally targeted by poachers, who are kept at bay only through the gutsy vigilance of rangers. (Tamaraw Conservation Programme)

“We estimate that there are from 574 to 610 Tamaraw left in Mindoro, with around 433 living within the MIBNP, where the largest population is concentrated,” shares MIBNP Park Superintendent Ellie Nuñez. Together, MIBNP and TCP are working to drive off poachers while convincing residents to stop deforestation and kaingin or the controlled burning of forest to make way for upland farms.

Tamaraw Month, celebrated each October, is when the bulk of Tamaraw conservation efforts are highlighted. "We observe Tamaraw Month every October, but we work hard to protect our Tamaraw 365 days a year,” says TCP Coordinator Efren Delos Reyes. “This month is jam-packed. We have everything from environmental outreach programs, native tree planting drives, town parades, poster making contests, even a bike ride for the Tamaraw,” adds TCP Assistant Coordinator Neil Anthony Del Mundo.

Last Captive Tamaraw. Kalibasib, the world’s last captive Tamaraw, died on 10 October 2020 after 21 years in captivity. The sole progeny of a breeding programme involving 21 wild-caught Tamaraw, he became a symbol of his species’ bullheaded will to survive. (Gregg Yan)

To help conserve this rare buffalo for Tamaraw Month 2024, the Biodiversity Finance Initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-BIOFIN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) are asking people to download and play Animal Town, a mobile game about animals and biodiversity conservation launched in March 2024.   

“We want to introduce iconic and endangered Pinoy wildlife to a fresh generation of environmentalists,” explains UNDP-BIOFIN Philippines Country Manager Anabelle Plantilla. “With 30 million gamers in the Philippines including me, the potential for gamers to donate to wildlife conservation can definitely help save endangered species like our Tamaraw.”

They Need Funds. The rangers and wardens protecting Tamaraw badly need funding for salaries, benefits, field equipment and patrol provisions. You can help keep them in the field by downloading Animal Town and making a small donation to the conservation of iconic Philippine wildlife, especially this Tamaraw Month. (Gregg Yan)

BIOFIN is a global UNDP initiative across 41 countries with funding from the European Commission and the Governments of Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Flanders, the United Kingdom, Canada and France. It contributes to closing the financing gap for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity by identifying, accessing, combining and sequencing sources of biodiversity funding.

In the Philippines, BIOFIN is working with the DENR to narrow the financing gap for the implementation of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP), the country’s roadmap to conserving its biodiversity. Among its identified finance solutions are the improvement of biodiversity expenditure reports, supporting and strengthening policies, mainstreaming biodiversity in national and regional programs, increasing investments in protected areas and generating revenues from private individuals.

Kaingin, the illegal burning of upland forests to farm crops like rice, corn and taro, remains a major threat to Philippine mountains. Rangers, wardens and park staff in the four remaining Tamaraw conservation areas are ever on the lookout for the telltale smoke plumes of a fledgling kaingin plot. (Gregg Yan)

Animal Town donations will be managed by FFP, while DENR-BMB will identify conservation programmes to be funded. Some funds will go to Tamaraw conservation initiatives, such as halting illegal poaching for bushmeat, developing solutions to connect genetically isolated Tamaraw subpopulations and reducing human-wildlife conflict between the Tamaraw and indigenous communities.

“Tamaraw conservation is complicated and involves close, continuous coordination between the indigenous people who share the Tamaraw’s home range, protected area managers, fundraisers, policymakers, scientists and law enforcers,” adds D’ABOVILLE Foundation’s Emmanuel Schutz, who has been helping conserve the endangered buffalo for the past 12 years.   

“The Tamaraw is iconic of Philippine wildlife, but many lesser-known plants and animals need the country’s attention,” adds British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils. “Introducing wildlife stewardship in a fun and casual way can help younger Filipinos understand and value Filipino wildlife of all shapes and sizes.” The UK government helps fund BIOFIN to advance the implementation of biodiversity finance plans, collaborate with the finance sector and repurpose subsidies. One of its key workstreams for the Philippines focuses on implementing a biodiversity finance solution focused on sub-national plans in protected areas, while helping develop Animal Town.

Animal Town was launched in March 2024 and is fast rising in popularity. It can be freely downloaded at the Google Play Store for Android Phones or the Apple App Store for iOS Phones. (DENR-UNDP BIOFIN)

Freely downloadable, the app has been snowballing in popularity since its launch. “We have almost 20,000 users who have donated nearly PHP20,000, with donations trickling in monthly. We hope to generate more funds as players have fun building their tiny animal towns,” adds Animal Town App Developer Lord Gosingtian.

So to help save the Tamaraw and ‘level up’ your involvement in conservation, simply download the Animal Town app and make a small donation. By doing so, you’re helping ensure that Tamaraw Month will continue to celebrate successful Tamaraw conservation for many years to come.

Animal Town can be downloaded at the Google Play Store for Android Phones or the Apple App Store for iOS Phones.

About the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

BIOFIN was launched in 2012 and seeks to address the biodiversity finance challenge in a comprehensive manner – building a sound business case for increased investments in the management of ecosystems and biodiversity, with a particular focus on the needs and transformational opportunities at the national level. For more information: www.biofin.org.

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

In the Philippines, UNDP fosters human development for peace and prosperity. Working with central and local governments as well as civil society, and building on global best practices, UNDP strengthens capacities of women, men and institutions to empower them to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan. Through advocacy and development projects, with a special focus on vulnerable groups, UNDP works to ensure a better life for the Filipino people. Learn more at ph.undp.org or follow at @UNDPPH.

About UK International Development

The UK Government helps fund BIOFIN to advance the implementation of biodiversity finance plans, collaborate with the finance sector and repurpose subsidies. UK support for BIOFIN Philippines is conducted through the Nature Positive Economy (NPE) Programme, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The programme builds capacity and provides technical assistance to help countries transition to nature-positive economies.