Manila: The Negros Occidental provincial government-owned Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Murcia town, has officially become a shelter for the critically endangered Visayan spotted deer. Over the past weekend, the province completed the transfer of an initial group of five deer from Talarak Foundation Inc., a wildlife conservation group and partner non-government organization.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mambukal Resort's Officer-in-Charge, Shiela Fuentes, stated on Monday that personnel trained by the Talarak Foundation have been assigned to care for the deer. Fuentes explained that the first batch of three deer arrived last Friday, followed by a second batch of two deer on Saturday. All five deer are male, as there is currently only one enclosure available. Fuentes also mentioned that guests are not yet permitted access to the deer trail, but an announcement will be made once it is open to the public.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II expressed excitement about the new initiative, noting that the province aims to offer interested Negrenses the opportunity to participate in caring for and preserving the flora and fauna at Mambukal Resort. He shared on Facebook that this is just the beginning, and more species are expected to follow. Diaz emphasized that Mambukal serves as a true sanctuary and rescue center, where guests of all ages will soon be able to observe the Visayan spotted deer along the walking trails. He added that the deer have adapted well to the resort's ecosystem.
Located in Bacolod City, Talarak Foundation operates at the Negros Forest Park, which it occupies under a usufruct agreement with the provincial government. The resort staff and job order workers have undergone training with the Talarak Foundation, focusing on shelter preparations and the rearing and feeding of the deer.
The Visayan spotted deer, scientifically known as Rusa alfredi, is recognized as critically endangered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Western Visayas. As one of the rarest deer species globally, it is endemic to the Philippines, previously found on the islands of Panay, Guimaras, Negros, Cebu, and Masbate. Online sources estimated around 700 mature individuals remaining in the wild as of 2016.
The conservation efforts for the Visayan spotted deer have also been supported by scientific research. Early last year, Silliman University collaborated with the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center Visayas to sequence and assemble the first draft genome of the species, a pioneering study providing essential genetic insights for conservation and research.
