World · Philippines Bureau
Forest clearing poses existential threat to Mindoro's endangered Tamaraws
Conservation groups are raising fresh alarms over habitat destruction in Oriental Mindoro, warning that ongoing deforestation and land conversion continue to threaten the survival of the critically endangered Tamaraw. The indigenous wild buffalo, found only on the island, faces an uncertain future without urgent action to halt forest clearing.
LSN Philippines ·
Habitat loss driven by agricultural expansion, residential development, and infrastructure projects remains the primary threat to the Tamaraw population on Mindoro, according to conservation experts. The Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI) issued the warning during a public forum in Calapan City on September 29, highlighting the accelerating pace of forest and grassland conversion across the island.
The Tamaraw, a small buffalo species endemic to Mindoro, has been classified as critically endangered due to its dwindling population and shrinking range. Experts emphasize that without intervention to curb deforestation and protect remaining habitats, the species faces an increasingly precarious future.
MBCFI called for stronger enforcement of environmental protections and increased coordination among government agencies, private landowners, and local communities. Conservation leaders stressed that preserving the island's remaining forests is essential not only for the Tamaraw but for the broader ecosystem services that support Mindoro's residents and biodiversity.
Efforts to recover the Tamaraw population have yielded modest gains over recent decades, but experts warn that progress could be reversed if habitat destruction accelerates. The foundation urged stakeholders to balance economic development with environmental conservation to ensure the species' long-term survival.