SU sends endangered deer species to Bohol for breeding loan

The Silliman University Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CENTROP) sent two adult female Philippine Spotted Deer to the Candawon Wildlife Farm in Loay, Bohol for a breeding loan to help conserve the said endangered species.

The transport happened last May 17, 2023.

“Having partnerships for breeding loan is a good strategy for captive breeding programs because it ensures a good genetic stock and prevents inbreeding of animals,” said Leandro S. Cabrera, CENTROP coordinator.

Cabrera said the breeding loan is part of CENTROP’s partnership with Candawon Wildlife Farm which was established in 2018. 

The farm, he added, was looking for a suitable companion for their lone male deer.

Also known as the Visayan Spotted Deer, the Philippine Spotted Deer is an endangered species based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1, which classifies species at high risk of global extinction.

According to the online animal encyclopedia Animalia, the estimated population of the Philippine Spotted Deer is around 700.

The said species is also endemic to Negros Island.

Cabrera said that CENTROP currently has 77 individuals of the Philippine Spotted Deer in its facilities in Barangay Daro, Dumaguete City and Barangay Palinpinon, Valencia. 

He also said CENTROP has been nurturing the Philippine Spotted Deer since 1994.

The Philippine Spotted Deer, one of three endemic deer species in the Philippines, is a nocturnal species of deer located primarily in the rainforests of Panay and Negros islands.

(Photos from the SU CENTROP)