Catching
a glimpse of one of the world’s rarest deer, the Philippine
spotted deer (Cervus alfredi), is no longer impossible
with the first captive breeding facility established in the
'90s at Silliman University.
Recent traces of the critically endangered species renewed
interest among environmental advocates to pursue conservation
of the Philippine spotted deer. Most Filipinos are unaware
of conservation facilities in the country where they can find
them. 
There are only a few hundred of the Philippine spotted deer
estimated to be in existence, with 23 (four are calves born
from January this year) in Silliman University. Their population
continues to be threatened by unregulated hunting for their
meat and for sale to private animal collectors.
The Philippine Spotted Deer project of Silliman University,
being managed by the Center for Tropical Conservation Studies
(CENTROP), is the second captive breeding facility which Silliman
set up for critically endangered species.
The first is the Philippine crocodile breeding facility.
This deer facility is set amidst a 9,000-square meter wooded
environment, and forms part of the A.Y. Reyes Zoological and
Botanical Garden collection of endemic plant and animal wildlife.
The latter facility is a popular wildlife educational center
and is a recognized Rescue Center for captured and sick wildlife.
Former manager of the Philippine Spotted Deer project, Dr.
Ely Alcala, said the project started as a quarantine facility
in 1990 for several deer donated by private collectors. It
started with six animals which quickly grew to more than 30
individuals in 1998. The growing deer population was later
transferred to a bigger facility where they continue to be
managed as a breeding stock.
Dr. Alcala said the Silliman deer project presently has three
programs aimed at conserving the species: (1) protection of
natural habitats, (2) captive-breeding of wildstock individuals,
and (3) release, which is directed to bringing back the natural
population in the wild.
Open to the public, the A.Y. Reyes Zoological and Botanical
Garden also houses other endangered species in the area, including
the giant fruit bat (Acerodon jubatus), Visayan warty
pig (Sus cebifronous), and the bleeding heart pigeon
(Gallicolumba keayi).
