The Tamaraw of Mindoro

The tamaraw is a small wild buffalo found only on the island of Mindoro. Unlike the carabao, it has short, V-shaped horns and a darker coat. It is also much smaller and lives in grasslands and forests rather than in farms. A hundred years ago, thousands of tamaraws roamed the island. Today, only a few hundred remain, making the tamaraw critically endangered. Hunting, disease brought by cattle, and the clearing of forests for farms and settlements caused its numbers to fall. To save the animal, the government established protected areas such as Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park. Rangers regularly count the tamaraws and patrol the park to prevent hunting. Local communities are also encouraged to help protect the animal. October has been declared Tamaraw Month to raise public awareness. Conservationists hope that these efforts will allow the tamaraw population to grow again.