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In-Situ

Conservation Project

Phase V

Technical Progress Report January January January January ---- May 2006 May 2006 May 2006 May 2006

By

Indira D. L. Widmann, Peter Widmann,

Siegfred Diaz and Deborah V. van den Beukel

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

May 2006

Technical Progress Report

Jan–May 2006 p.2

TECHNICAL PROGRESS REPORT

COUNTRY: PHILIPPINES

PROJECT TITLE: PHILIPPINE COCKATOO CONSERVATION PROGRAM

In-situ Conservation Project Phase V

PROJECT DURATION: January - May 2006

PROJECT SITE: Palawan, Philippines

PROJECT COOPERATORS:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Municipal Government of Narra, Palawan, Philippines Municipal Government of Dumaran, Palawan, Philippines Municipal Government of Rizal, Palawan, Philippines Local Protected Area Management Committees (LPAMC)

Sagip Katala Movement-Narra Chapter, Inc. (SKM-NC, Inc) Sagip Katala Movement-Dumaran Chapter (SKM-DC) Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Concerned agencies and authorities

BY: KATALA FOUNDATION, INC. INDIRA DAYANG LACERNA-WIDMANN

Development and Operations Manager

PETER WIDMANN Program Leader/Consultant, Conservation Biology

DEBORAH V. van den BEUKEL Administrative / Information Officer

SIEGFRED H. DIAZ Field Operations Coordinator, Southern Palawan

ADDRESS: Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program

National Highway, Bgy. San Jose or P.O. Box 390 Puerto Princesa City 5300 Palawan, Philippines Tel No. +63-48-434-7056 / Tel/Fax: +63-48-434-7693

WEBSITE: www.philippinecockatoo.org

EMAIL: [email protected] or [email protected]


Jan–May 2006 p.3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................5

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .....................................................................................................................................9

ACRONYMS........................................................................................................................................................10

LIST OF TABLES, FIGURES AND ANNEXES..............................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................................12

THE PHILIPPINE COCKATOO CACATUA HAEMATUROPYGIA ................................................................................12 OBJECTIVE OF THE PHILIPPINE COCKATOO CONSERVATION PROGRAM .............................................................12 PROGRAM STRATEGY .........................................................................................................................................12 DELIVERABLES...................................................................................................................................................13

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT SITES .............................................................................................................15

RASA ISLAND, NARRA, PALAWAN......................................................................................................................15 DUMARAN ISLAND, DUMARAN, PALAWAN ........................................................................................................16 CULASIAN MANAGED RESOURCE PROTECTED AREA (CMRPA), RIZAL, PALAWAN ..........................................17 PATNANUNGAN, POLILLO GROUP OF ISLANDS, QUEZON.....................................................................................18

METHODOLOGIES...........................................................................................................................................19

RESULTS AND PROGRESS .............................................................................................................................21

OUTPUT 1: STABILIZATION OF THE COCKATOO POPULATION IN RASA ISLAND, PALAWAN, THROUGH CO-

MANAGEMENT OF THE PROTECTED AREA............................................................................................................21 Wardening scheme ........................................................................................................................................21 Technical support to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and Community Environment and

Natural Resources Office (CENRO)..............................................................................................................21 Conservation education (CE)........................................................................................................................21 Alternative Livelihood...................................................................................................................................22 Ecotourism ....................................................................................................................................................22 Lobbying for legal protection of Rasa Island through presidential and/or congressional proclamation .....23 Networking with other relevant institutions/organizations ...........................................................................23 Constraints and measures taken ...................................................................................................................23

OUTPUT 2. LEGAL AND ACTUAL CONSERVATION OF COCKATOOS AND THEIR HABITATS IN DUMARAN ISLAND,

PALAWAN...........................................................................................................................................................27 Wardening scheme ........................................................................................................................................27 Conservation education ................................................................................................................................27 Legal protection of Omoi Cockatoo Reserve.................................................................................................27 Alternative livelihood & capacity building ...................................................................................................27 Experimental habitat restoration ..................................................................................................................28 Constraints and measures taken ...................................................................................................................28

OUTPUT 3. CONTINUATION OF NEST-PROTECTION SCHEME IN RIZAL, PALAWAN IN 2006, AFTER TERMINATION

OF CEPF FUNDING (FUNDING FROM CEPF REQUESTED FOR 2005).....................................................................28 Nest protection scheme .................................................................................................................................28 Capacity building for local decision-makers and law-enforcers facilitated .................................................28 Conservation education ................................................................................................................................29

1st Kalikasan Festival ................................................................................................................................................. 29 Katala Fun Day .......................................................................................................................................................... 30

OUTPUT 4. RESEARCH AND MONITORING ON DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT REQUIREMENTS AND RESTORATION,

BREEDING AND FEEDING ECOLOGY AND PUBLICATION OF RESULTS....................................................................31 Comprehensive floral inventories in Rasa and Dumaran initiated and phenological research continued...31 Systematic testing of propagation and performance of cockatoo-relevant plant species for habitat

restoration conducted....................................................................................................................................31 Cockatoo population and nest monitoring in project sites continued ...........................................................31 Remarks.........................................................................................................................................................32


Jan–May 2006 p.4

Research on fledgling dispersal and survival conducted ..............................................................................32 Papers submitted for publication to relevant journals..................................................................................34 Constraints and measures taken ...................................................................................................................35

OUTPUT 5. COCKATOO SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENTS OF POTENTIAL TRANSLOCATION SITES. ............................35 Technical cooperation with Polillo Ecology Stewardship Project in Polillo continued ...............................35 Constraints and measures taken ...................................................................................................................36

OUTPUT 6. PREPARATION FOR A BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION CENTER IN NARRA. ........................................36 Other potential donors contacted..................................................................................................................36 Feasibility assessed.......................................................................................................................................36 Constraints and actions taken .......................................................................................................................36

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS......................................................................................................................................37

PROJECT MONITORING VISIT OF DR. ROGER WILKINSON....................................................................................37 15

TH ANNUAL PHILIPPINE BIODIVERSITY SYMPOSIUM OF THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF THE

PHILIPPINES (WCSP) .........................................................................................................................................37 GLOBAL MAMMAL ASSESSMENT – IUCN..........................................................................................................37

Other remarkable bird nesting records.........................................................................................................37 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN KFI AND PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF WILDLIFE VETERINARIANS,

INC. (PAWVI)....................................................................................................................................................37 KFI PLANNING WORKSHOP FOR 2006................................................................................................................38 MONITORING VISIT OF PAWB AND PAWVI ......................................................................................................38 RELEVANT SEMINARS, MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS ORGANIZED AND ATTENDED ..............................................38 SUMMARY OF PRESENTATIONS: .........................................................................................................................39

Media outreach .............................................................................................................................................39

IMPLICATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK .....................................................................................................40

PLANNED TARGETS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE NEXT REPORTING PERIOD. .............................40

Output 1.........................................................................................................................................................40 Output 2.........................................................................................................................................................40 Output 3.........................................................................................................................................................40 Output 4.........................................................................................................................................................40 Output 5.........................................................................................................................................................41 Output 6.........................................................................................................................................................41

LITERATURE .....................................................................................................................................................42

WORKSHEET JANUARY – MAY 2006 ..........................................................................................................43

KEY PROJECT ACTIVITIES...........................................................................................................................43

ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................................................48


Jan–May 2006 p.5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Output 1

1. Eight wildlife wardens renewed their deputation from DENR Regional Office and were approved on January 26, 2006 through Regional Special Order No. 018, series of 2006.

2. The Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area Management Board (RIWS-PAMB) met for its 1st quarterly meeting this year. Among the agenda of the meeting were: the draft of the Internal Rules and Regulations, creation of a Technical Working Committee, the issue of chairmanship of the board, among others.

3. The workplan for this year’s breeding season activities was approved by the RIWS-PAMB during its regular session.

4. In Narra, conservation education activities are collaboratively done by the Katala Foundation, Narra Youth Organization for Environmental Conservation (NYOFEC) and elementary and high schools.

5. About 200 students were reached during the Katala Fun Day activities in celebration of Narra’s founding anniversary in March.

6. Five major groups conducted study/cross visits to Rasa and Narra within the period: Haribon Foundation NGO partners, Quirino Development Cooperative, CROC project and the Northern Mindanao NGO Alliance. The visits provided venue for an exchange of experiences and lessons learned of in-situ conservation program.

7. A total of 145 tourists, foreign and local, visited Rasa this season. Among them are regular visitors like the groups of Tim Fisher, Ben King, B. Laender and participants to the 15th Annual Symposium of the Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines (WCSP).

8. Presidential Proclamation 1000 declaring Rasa Island, Municipality of Narra as protected area pursuant to RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 1992 and shall be known as Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary was signed by Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on February 15, 2006.

9. Initiatives for the Congressional Action are now taken upon by KF. 10. A linkage is now being developed between KF and Earth Rights People’s Rights

(ERPR), NGO working in southernmost Palawan, to explore the possibilities of cockatoo surveys and studies in the areas. Remnant cockatoo populations were confirmed in the islands of Bugsuk and Pandanan.

Output 2

11. Five wildlife wardens of Dumaran were granted deputation by DENR through Regional Special Order No. 020, series of 2006 on February 3, 2006. Other wardens were denied for the meantime because of lack of documents submitted.

12. A written agreement was signed by a kaingin (slash and burn) farmer in Omoi, Sto. Tomas in the presence of MENRO Magbanua and PCCP wildlife wardens. The agreement stipulated that said farmer will not pursue his practices inside the protected area in Omoi.

13. At least three hundred eighteen pupils from Dumaran Central School were reached on school visits where lectures were conducted about basic ecological principles, Philippine cockatoo conservation to mention a few.

14. Meanwhile, five hundred fourteen have accessed the library at the Katala Environmental Education Center (KEEC).

15. Municipal Ordinance No. 2006-139 was approved on January 3, 2006 creating the Local Protected Area Management Committee (LPAMC) for Dumaran. This ordinance


Jan–May 2006 p.6

hopes to strengthen the protection and conservation of the two locally declared protected areas in Dumaran Island.

16. An area of three hectares has been identified for watershed rehabilitation by the Municipality of Dumaran. A total of 6,000 trees will be propagated and planted as stipulated under the agreement entered between the Municipality of Dumaran and KF.

Output 3

17. Wardens in Culasian, Rizal for the first time monitor nest trees in the demarcated protected area. Occupancy of mainly blue-naped parrots, but also hill mynas and Palawan hornbill has been confirmed for 59 nest trees. No poaching incident has been reported from the PA.

18. No cockatoo breeding apparently took place this breeding season, despite cockatoos cutting twigs around potential nest holes.

19. As a result of the wardening scheme, three hill mynas and two Philippine cockatoos originating from an adjacent municipality have been confiscated and turned over to the local wildlife rescue center. Legal action is taken against the professional wildlife trader.

20. A 1,954 ha large area with high concentration of cavity-nesting birds has been protected under barangay resolution, with the municipal resolution soon to follow. An initial protected area plan has been drafted by KF and distributed to project partners. The creation of a Local Protected Area Management Committee has been approved by the Municipal Mayor.

21. The PA comprises a wide variety of different ecosystems, and initial zoological surveys have yielded a high species diversity, particularly for birds.

22. The 1st Kalikasan (Environment) Festival in Culasian, Rizal, Palawan was held on February 26-28, 2006 with an impressive display of local ingenuity and concepts.

23. Activities included a parade in full wildlife costumes, street dancing, booth contests, film showing, lectures, fun day and more.

24. Festival survey among 59 random respondents reveals positive impacts of the festival to people’s perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife trade.

25. Fifty three (53%) percent of the respondents said the festival reminded them to protect wildlife and their habitat or the forests. While 86% perceived that the festival had increased their awareness on local wildlife and their links to habitat and human activities.

26. Interestingly, general perceptions reveal willingness of people to cooperate in conservation work and help arrest illegal wildlife trade in the area.

27. An estimated three thousand residents from Culasian and neighboring barangays participated day and night during the 3-day festivity.

Output 4

28. The by far best breeding success of Philippine cockatoos has been achieved on Rasa since start of the project with currently 39 hatchlings from 24 nests. This good result is likely due to favorable weather conditions prior and during the breeding season.

29. Likewise, breeding results in Dumaran were very good this year with six hatchlings banded and one fledged without leg band.

30. No cockatoo nesting record has been taken form Culasian, Rizal, despite intensive monitoring.

31. No information on breeding success is available from Polillo as of end of the reporting period.


Jan–May 2006 p.7

32. One hatchling in Rasa has been radio-tagged and still is doing well in the nest hole. Three more birds will be tagged in the first week of June.

33. Numbers of cockatoos recorded in the roosting sites in Rasa and Dumaran decreased slightly, as was expected during the breeding season, when pairs sleep in or close to the nest hole.

34. Due to improved food conditions on Rasa compared to 2005, foraging of cockatoos on the mainland was less and occurred later during the breeding season.

35. Two technical papers were submitted for publication.

Output 5

36. The translocation of ten rescued cockatoos from Rasa during the 2005 breeding season has been further delayed due to cost-intensive monitoring schemes of the DENR. Therefore, KF in close cooperation with DENR-PAMB attempts to streamline the work plan for the project and to involve local DENR representatives in the project.

37. Reconnaissance survey on the Calamianes has resulted in secondary information of persistence of a remnant cockatoo population on Coron Island.

38. A survey on Patnanungan and Polillo, Quezon has resulted in identification of additional potential nest trees and information on cockatoo occurrence in Polillo as well. Both will be monitored by KF warden Edgar, and the newly deputized forest guard Alejandre Gomez. Both will be supported by “Enteng” Yngente, chief warden from the Polillo Island Stewardship Project (PESP).

Output 6

39. ZGAP and ‘Shellshock’ provided funds for the fencing and development of a 2000m2 large area of the biodiversity center in Narra, which could be used for the captive management of rescued cockatoos and freshwater turtles, pending approval from local authorities.

40. An environmental impact assessment was conducted by students from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

41. During the reporting period a dirt road has been constructed from the highway to the area of the future center.

Other highlights

42. Dr. Roger Wilkinson visited project sites in Dumaran and Rizal of the KF on May 1-7, 2006.

43. Katala Foundation successfully co-hosted the 15th Philippine Biodiversity Symposium of the WCSP on April 5-8, 2006. Two scientific papers were presented during the said symposium.

44. KF organized the Global Mammal Assessment of the IUCN on April 10-12, 2006. KF staff actively contributed to the mammal assessment for the Palawan Faunal Region.

45. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is entered between KF and the Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Inc. (PAWVI) to strengthen partnership and develop veterinary protocols particularly for the translocation project.

46. KF held planning workshop in January to address activity gaps and set schedules for the rest of the year and to discuss on other development plans of the program.

47. A monitoring visit to Rasa Island was conducted by Assistant Director of PAWB-DENR, Dr. Mundita Lim in April 22-25, 2006 which also was the first opportunity for the wardens to meet Dr. Lim and discuss issues.

48. P. Widmann participated in the National Prioritization Workshop organized by PAWB-DENR in April 18-20, 2006.

49. Three locally organized meetings and training were participated by KF staff.


Jan–May 2006 p.8

50. Press releases on Presidential Proclamation 1000 were circulated among local, national papers and special magazines.

51. Rasa Island was featured by GMA TV network as one of the seven last paradises in the Philippines. The feature was aired on TV prime time on April 30, 2006.

52. The Philippine cockatoo mascot is indeed an effective tool for awareness building. Our mascot had been requested in several occasions in project sites and in the province’s activities.


Jan–May 2006 p.9

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to the Loro Parque Fundación (LPF), Tenerife, Spain for incessantly supporting the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program and to the Partner Donors: North of England Zoological Society/Zoological Gardens Chester (NEZS), Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und Populationsschutz (ZGAP, incl. Fonds Fuer Bedrohte Papageien and Strunden-Papageien-Stiftung), and Conservation des Espèces et Des Populations Animales (CEPA), for their trust and generous support. Particular thanks to Wolfgang Kiessling, President LPF, Dr David Waugh, Director LPF, Dr. Roger Wilkinson, Head of Conservation and Science, North of England Zoological Society (NEZS)/Zoological Gardens Chester, Roland Wirth, President ZGAP, Dr. Jean-Marc Lernould, President CEPA and Marc Boussekey, European Coordinator of the PCCP and Secretary CEPA and for facilitating the flow of funds, communication and support from Europe.

The PCCP is indebted to the real players of the project: the wardens and volunteers from Narra, Dumaran and Rizal for their dedication, hardwork and commitment. Without them, the project would not have reaped the good harvests.

To the ever supportive honorable Mayor of Narra, Mayor Lucena D. Demaala and to all members of the municipal council and officials. Special gratitude goes to LPAMC members, Narra for their vigilance and ready attention on Rasa. Equally worth the gratitude is the support of Dumaran Mayor David G. Aurello. To MPDO Agnes Padul, Engr. John Ponce de Leon, R. Aurello, MENRO Magbanua and to all Dumaraños. And lastly to Rizal Mayor Samson I. Degillo, and his wife Claire, as well as Bgy. Captain Reynaldo B. Ong of Culasian for his consistent good cooperation. To all Rizal officials and to Candawaga Capt. Cristopher Gado, Panalingaan Capt. Adbul hamid Mansul, and ABC President Jalil Isani.

We are grateful to the DENR personnel who have facilitated the implementation of this program: CENRO Benito R. Albrando, OIC PAWS Chief, Emmanuel Alfaro; CENRO Wilfredo Angeles of Roxas, CENRO Ely Nabua of Quezon and PAWS Chief Clarissa Pador. Likewise, we thank Ate Precy, Ate Doray, and Vivian of PENRO Office. Special thanks to Anson, Nemi, Dr. Manila, Josie, Asst. Dir. Mundita Lim and Dr. Vitug from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. To the Regional Executive Director, MIMAROPA Region and PENR Officer.

Also, our deepest gratitude to Hon. Juan Miguel Zubiri for his unrelenting support and to Erwin van den Beukel for his generosity and ready assistance to the project. We also give thanks to Gov. Reyes.

Likewise special thanks to the RARE Center for Tropical Conservation and the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) for financing the Southern Palawan Anti-Poaching Initiative for one year.

We especially mention and thank CI-Palawan through Jaynee and Ferds Maon for the cooperation and assistance especially on GIS related maps. Special thanks to PCSDS particularly to Malou S., Abigail C., Ding, Jude D., Ted B., and Alex M. for all their generous help.

Thanks to Juan Carlos Gonzales, Liza Dans, Enteng, and Mimi Ledesma for facilitating our meeting and trips to Polillo Islands.

Our gratitude to Glesselle Batin, Rommel Cruz, Bojie Cervancia, Sunshine Deang and Mike Plazos for their services and assistance provided to the project.

To all visiting tourists, foreign and local, for the generous donations given to the project. To the Narra Youth Organization for Environmental Conservation (NYOFEC), Katala Conservation Club (KCC) and SKM officers and members.


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ACRONYMS

CENRO Community Environment and Natural Resources Office(r)

CEPA Conservation des Espèces et Des Populations Animales

CEPF Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund

CIDG Criminal Investigation and Detection Group

CMRPA Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

GPS Geographic Positioning System

I-E-C Information – Education – Communication

IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

KEEC Katala Environmental Education Center

KFI Katala Foundation, Inc.

KIEBC Katala Institute for Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation

LPAMC Local Protected Area and Management Committee

LPF Loro Parque Fundación

MAO Municipal Agriculture Office

MDC Municipal Development Council

MENRO Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer/Office

MOA Memorandum of Agreement

MPDO Municipal Planning and Development Officer

NIPAS National Integrated Protected Area System

NYOFEC Narra Youth Organization for Environmental Conservation

PA Protected Area

PAWB Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau

PCCP Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program

PCSD(S) Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (Staff)

PDAF Priority Development Assistance Fund

PENRO Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office

PESP Polillo Ecology Stewardship Project

PNP Philippine National Police

PWRCC Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

RA 9147 Republic Act 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Protection Act

RIWS Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary

SDENRO Special Deputy Environment and Natural Resources Officer

SKM-NC/DC, Inc. Sagip Katala Movement – Narra Chapter/Dumaran Chapter, Incorporated

SPAPI Southern Palawan Anti-Poaching Initiative

WPU Western Philippines University

YEG Young Editors Guild

ZGAP Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und Populationsschutz


Jan–May 2006 p.11

LIST OF TABLES, FIGURES AND ANNEXES

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Information-Education-Communication campaigns from January – May 2006

Table 2 Banded cockatoo hatchlings on Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan as of May 26, 2006

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Map of the Philippines indicating sites of the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program for comprehensive nest protection: 1. Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area (proposed), Rizal; 2. Rasa Island, Narra; 3. Omoi and Manambaling Cockatoo Reserves, Dumaran; 4. Patnanungan Island, Polillo group of islands,

Quezon. Recent sightings of cockatoos: A) eastern Samar, B) Sulu archipelago.

Figure 2. Vegetation and land-use of Rasa Island, Palawan, Philippines.

Figure 3. Omoi Cockatoo Reserve (left) and Manambaling Cockatoo Reserve (right) cover the last forest patches on Dumaran Island.

Figure 4. Vegetation, land use and boundaries of Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area, Rizal, Palawan.

Figure 5. Vegetation and land use of Patnanungan Island (Hampson et al., 2002). Light green: coconut, dark green: forest, blue: mangrove, orange ricefield, light orange: cornfield, olive: grassland, grey: settlement

Figure 6. Cockatoos at the roosting site, Rasa Island, Palawan ©B.Laender.

Figure 7. Cockatoos roosting in Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan. ©M.Espeso.

Figure 8. Team Bising (squirrel) during the street dancing competition, 1st Kalikasan Festival,

Culasian, Rizal, Palawan ©RCruz.

Figure 9. Kids gather around to listen to lectures during the Katala Fun Day in Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan. ©RCruz.

Figure 10. Interactive lectures encourage kids to participated in the discussions while having fun learning during the Katala Fun Day in Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan. ©RCruz.

Figure 11. Radio-tagged cockatoo hatchling. Photo: P. Widmann.

Figure 12. Numbers of Philippine cockatoos counted at the traditional roosting site on Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan.

Figure 13. Numbers of Philippine cockatoos counted at the traditional roosting site in Lagan, Dumaran, Palawan.

Figure 14. Maximum daily numbers of Philippine cockatoos from January to May 2006 recorded in the mainland opposite Rasa by any one observer during one observation.

Figure 15. Construction of access road to the future center. Photo: D. van der Beukel.

Figure 16. Physical examination and sampling of ten rescued Philippine cockatoos by Dr. M. Li, Dr. G. Rebong and Dr. N. Donato. Photo: P. Widmann

LIST OF ANNEXES

Annex 1 List of tourists on Rasa within the reporting period

Annex 2 Initial Protected Areas Management Plan, Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area (CMRPA), Culasian, Rizal, Palawan

Annex 3 Pictures taken during the 1st Kalikasan Festival, Culasian, Rizal, Palawan.

Annex 4 Workplan for the Katala Institute for Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (KIEBC)


Jan–May 2006 p.12

INTRODUCTION

The Philippine cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia

The Philippine Cockatoo or red-vented cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia is restricted to lowland forest areas and mangroves in the Philippines. Formerly, it could be found all over the archipelago (Dickinson et al. 1991;). Only in the last decades a rapid decline set in, which brought the species to the brink of extinction (e.g. Boussekey 2000a; Lambert 1994). The reasons for the decline of the populations are (e.g. Collar et al, 1999; Lambert 1994; Widmann et al. 2001):

• Habitat destruction, particularly in respect of nesting and food providing trees.

• Persecution as crop pest.

• Poaching for pet trade.

• Potential diseases caused by the introduction of captive birds in the range of wild populations.

• Tropical storms and typhoons

Habitat destruction and poaching are the most important factors threatening the Philippine cockatoo.

Rasa Island, our main project site, presently is the area with the worldwide highest natural density of Philippine cockatoo with at least 97 birds on 8.3 km2.

Dumaran Island in northern Palawan holds likely the second-most important cockatoo population in the Palawan Faunal Region, after Rasa. Its mangroves are widely intact, but the lowland forests are heavily degraded.

Culasian in Rizal is one of the main source areas for the illegal wildlife trade in the Philippines. It is outstanding for its still high density of other cavity nesters like hill myna Gracula religiosa or blue-naped parrots Tanygnathus lucionensis which is brought by the abundance of ‘manggis’ Koompassia excelsa, the tallest tree in tropical Asia. Cockatoos are present in low numbers.

Patnanungan Island, Polillo group of islands in Quezon harbors the only known Philippine cockatoo population in the Luzon faunal region.

Aside from Palawan and Polillo, cockatoos have recently (within the last eight years) reliably only being sighted in Samar and in different locations in the Sulu Archipelago (Fig.1).

Objective of the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program

Conservation and restoration of the most viable subpopulations of the Philippine cockatoo and their habitats, including associated flora and fauna under involvement of all key stakeholders, resulting in a down-listing of the species from ‘Critical’ to ‘Endangered’ within the next six years.

Program Strategy

The general program strategies are:

• Community-based management of local resources in the framework of Philippine law;

• Capacity-building for local decision-makers to ensure sustainability of the conservation efforts; and,

• Ecosystemic conservation approach with the Philippine cockatoo as flagship species.


Jan–May 2006 p.13

Figure 1. Map of the Philippines indicating sites of the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program for comprehensive nest protection: 1. Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area (proposed), Rizal; 2. Rasa Island, Narra; 3. Omoi and Manambaling Cockatoo Reserves, Dumaran; 4. Patnanungan Island, Polillo group of islands, Quezon. Recent sightings of cockatoos: A) eastern Samar, B) Sulu

archipelago.

Deliverables

1. Stabilization of the cockatoo population Rasa Island, Palawan, through co-management of the protected area.

• Warden scheme continued.

• Technical support of Local Protected Areas Management Committee (LPAMC) and Community Environmental Natural Resource Offices (CENRO) continued.

• Conservation education with focus on youth and key-stakeholders continued.

• Alternative livelihood for key-stakeholders provided.

• Lobbying for legal protection of Rasa Island through presidential and/or congressional proclamation continued.

• Networking with other relevant institutions continued.

A

N

2 1

3

4

Luzon

Palawan

B


Jan–May 2006 p.14

2. Legal and actual conservation of cockatoos and their habitats in Dumaran Island, Palawan.

• Warden scheme institutionalized.

• Capacity building for local decision makers and law enforcers continued.

• Conservation education with focus on youth and key-stakeholders continued (this component funded by RARE).

• Legal protection of Omoi forest patch facilitated.

• Alternative livelihood for key-stakeholders provided.

• Experimental habitat restoration initiated.

3. Continuation of nest-protection scheme in Rizal, Palawan in 2006, after termination of CEPF funding (funding from CEPF granted for 2005).

• Nest protection scheme established.

• Conservation priority site identified and local protection facilitated.

• Capacity building for local decision-makers and law enforcers facilitated.

• Conservation education conducted.

• Alternative livelihood provided.

4. Research and monitoring on distribution, habitat requirements and restoration, breeding and feeding ecology and publication of results.

• Comprehensive floral inventories in Rasa and Dumaran initiated and phenological research continued.

• Systematic testing of propagation and performance of cockatoo-relevant plant species for habitat restoration conducted.

• Systematic collection of data on breeding and feeding biology continued.

• Cockatoo population and nest monitoring in project sites continued.

• Research on fledgling dispersal and survival conducted.

• Papers submitted for publication to relevant journals.

5. Cockatoo surveys and assessments of potential translocation sites.

• Survey in El Nido/Calamianes Islands conducted.

• Survey in Siargao conducted.

• Technical cooperation with Polillo Ecology Stewardship Project in Polillo continued.

• Assessment for potential translocation sites continued.

6. Preparation for a Biodiversity Conservation Center in Narra.

• Negotiations with LGU Narra regarding potential site continued.

• Potential other donors contacted.

• Feasibility assessed.


Jan–May 2006 p.15

Description of Project Sites

Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan

Rasa is a small coral island of 8.34 km2 area situated in the Sulu Sea, just offshore of the Municipality of Narra, Palawan, Philippines (Fig. 2). About 1.75 km2 are covered with coastal forest, mangrove (5.60 km2), cultivated areas (predominantly coconut; 0.39 km2), 0.60 km2 are barren or sparsely vegetated sand and coral outcrops.

The island is the pilot site of the program since 1998. Key component of this project site is the wardening scheme which involves patrolling and protection of the birds during and outside the breeding season. This scheme has proven to be efficient. It has more than doubled the population of cockatoos on the island over five years (presently ca. 97 birds).

Rasa Island probably holds the highest population density of Philippine cockatoo that remains in the wild. The world population of Philippine cockatoo was estimated to range between 1,000 to 4,000 individuals (Lambert, 1994). More recent estimates put the number of cockatoos remaining in the wild between 870 and 2,300 (Widmann, 2001). About 70 to 75% of this population is probably found in Palawan (Boussekey, 2000b). This makes Rasa a high priority area for the protection of this species.

Moreso, not only Philippine cockatoos live on the island, but a variety of other species, with an unusual high percentage of globally threatened and near-threatened taxa (IUCN 2006), considering the small size of Rasa. Note worthy among the 104 recorded bird species are grey imperial pigeon Ducula pickeringii and Mantanani scops-owl Otus mantananensis. Marine life around Rasa is also diverse with at least three marine turtle species and dugong Dugong dugon recorded.

Figure 2. Vegetation and land-use of Rasa Island, Palawan, Philippines.


Jan–May 2006 p.16

Dumaran Island, Dumaran, Palawan

Dumaran is situated in north-eastern Palawan between 10°22’ and 10°41’N and 119°28’ and 119°55’E. Nine Barangays are situated on Palawan mainland, seven on western Dumaran Island. The island is situated in the Sulu sea and separated by a ca. 7 km wide channel from the mainland.

The terrain on the island is rolling with the highest elevation being only 120m a.s.l. No permanent river systems exist. No lentic waterbodies exist in the municipality.

Dumaran is part of the Laurasian Shelf of northern Palawan (Heaney 1986). The bedrock consists mainly of ultrabasic metamorphites with interspersed limestone possibly of Tertiary origin. Most common soil types are silty clay loams and clay loams in the higher situation and beach sand and hydrosols in the coastal areas, based on estimates of sea levels (Gascoyne et. al. 1979). Dumaran Island is a typical landbridge island (Widmann, 1998) which was connected several times with mainland Palawan during the Pleistocene glaziations.

Figure 3. Omoi Cockatoo Reserve (left) and Manambaling Cockatoo Reserve (right) cover the last forest patches on Dumaran Island.

All natural terrestrial ecosystems in Dumaran are tree-dominated. On Dumaran Island only few small and isolated forest patches remain, none of them larger than 103 ha. The most abundant formation is evergreen and semi-evergreen lowland forest with Ipil Intsia bijuga, Amugis Koordersiodenron pinnatum being emergent tree species of commercial value.

Species inventories from the municipality are still incomplete and systematic surveys just started recently. The only ornithological collection on Dumaran Island was conducted in 1921 (Dickinson et al. 1991). No historic accounts are available for other taxa. Ornithological surveys conducted by Katala Foundation so far yielded 108 species from the island. A prominent species of conservation concern is the Philippine cockatoo, which can be found with a possibly viable population in the mangroves and forest remnants of Dumaran Island, but apparently not anymore on the mainland. The last remaining forest patches are therefore of global conservation concern. This notion is supported by the recent records of other globally threatened species, particularly the Philippine forest turtle Siebenrockiella leytensis.

Other species of conservation concern are Palawan hornbill Anthracoceros marchei, Blue-headed racquet-tail Prioniturus platenae and Palawan pencil-tailed tree-mouse Chiropodomys calamianensis. A yet unidentified shrew species has been caught in one of the last forest patches.


Jan–May 2006 p.17

Main forms of land use nowadays is upland and slash-and-burn agriculture (‘kaingin’), which is still widespread on the island and affects more and more forested areas on steeper slopes on the mainland. Larger parts of the island are covered by grass-and shrub land and dense stands of bamboo as consequence of this practice. Due to lack of water, irrigation systems and level areas, lowland rice cultivation is very restricted. Permanent forms of cultivation are coconut and cashew plantations. Forest and grass fires are common, particularly during the dry season. Fire is not only used to clear areas for cultivation, but also to further growth of fresh grass for pastures. There is a severe shortage of timber and firewood and consequently illegal logging is widespread.

PCCP currently manages three areas on the island: Omoi and Manambaling Cockatoo Reserves (Fig.3) and the traditional roosting site in Lagan.

Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area (CMRPA), Rizal, Palawan

The PA is located in the southern portion of Palawan Island in the municipality of Rizal. It is situated in the coastal plain facing the South China Sea, between the coordinates 8°52’ to 8°47’ N and 117°27’ to 117°31’ E. The PA comprises 1,954 has. with an additional 300 ha. included if the proposal for the protection of a nearby wetland will be approved.

Detailed geological maps for the area are unavailable. General information of the area is derived from the geological map of the Philippines. Underlying rocks mainly consist of Oligocene, Miocene and Pliocene marine clastics with single limestone reefs of probably the same age. Coves, mangrove flats and estuaries are characterized by Pleistocene alluvial, fluvial and beach deposits, as well as raised coral reefs. Predominating soil types in the area are Sibul clay and Tagburos clay. The former is mostly restricted to the coastal plains and derived from limestone. It is black and plastic, becoming compact when drying up. Tagburos clay is typical in rolling to hilly terrain. It is dark brown and rich in organic matter. The fine texture of this kind of soil prevents water percolation and results in extensive surface run-off during extended periods of precipitation.

CMRPA ranges from sea level to about 140 m a.s.l. south of Culasian proper. The terrain is flat in the narrow coastal area, and rolling to moderately steep in the remaining portions. The two largest forest areas persist north of the highway near Tagbalogo on an isolated moderately steep hill reaching 120 m a.s.l. and a highly fragmented rolling forest area south of the highway from ca. 20 to 140 m a.s.l. near Darapiton, Malutoc, Balingasag and Tuburon.

Two permanent rivers mark the periphery of CMRPA: Culasian River in the north and Arapitan River in the south. Smaller ephemeral creeks and stagnant water bodies can be found inside the area.

The major terrestrial ecosystem in the proposed PA is lowland dipterocarp forest. Unlike most forests in Palawan, canopy heights are very high, often thirty to forty meters, with “apitong” Dipterocarpus grandiflorus, “manggis”’ Koompassia excelsa being the most conspicuous emergent tree species. Other emergents are for example Dipterocarpus gracilis, Dipterocarpus hasselti, Intsia bijuga and Koordersiodendron pinnatum.

Due to security reasons the floral composition of the mangrove area could not be assessed, but Rhizophora spp. and Sonneratia spp. seem to be common. Narrow tidal flats are exposed during low tide, particularly in the estuaries of the two larger rivers.

Level areas are dominated by permanent cultivation, mostly irrigated and rainfed rice paddies, permanent cultivation like coconut and pastures. Patches of shrub- and grassland exist particularly along the National Highway. Shifting cultivation is also most common along the roads, but can frequently be found isolated in forested areas, often on steep slopes.


Jan–May 2006 p.18

Emergent “manggis” and “apitong”, isolated in cultivated areas, indicate nest sites of parrots or hill mynas which are ‘owned’ by a poacher, and therefore were not cut during the area was cultivated.

To date, 133 bird species have been recorded within the proposed CMRPA. Among these are six globally threatened and six near-threatened species (IUCN 2006). Of outstanding conservation concern are particularly the larger tree cavity nesters, like Palawan hornbill Anthracoceros marchei, all three parrot species of Palawan, Philippine cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia, blue-naped parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis and blue-headed racquet-tail Prioniturus platenae.

Figure 4. Vegetation, land use and boundaries of Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area, Rizal, Palawan.

Patnanungan, Polillo group of islands, Quezon

The Polillo group of islands in Quezon is possibly the last area containing a population of the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia, or ‘Kalangay’ as known locally, in the Luzon faunal region (Gonzalez 1997, Collar et al. 1999, Widmann 2001).

Patnanungan Island is mainly covered with secondary vegetation often interspersed with coconuts. The narrow coastal plains in the south and the more extensive ones in the north are transformed into irrigated rice paddies whenever permanent water-flows could be tapped, Higher terrain was transformed into coconut plantations and exceptionally into grassland, due to repeated burning.

Forests, particularly in the northern and central portion of the island, are frequently transformed into slash-and-burn fields. The small diameter classes of cut trees indicate that rotational periods might be shorter than fifteen years. Principal crops planted are corn, cassava, banana and papaya.


Jan–May 2006 p.19

Mangrove exists in protected coves in the north, with representatives of the genera Bruiguiera. Rhizophora, Sonneratia, Avicennia, Ceriops, Nypa fruticans, Heritiera littoralis, among others.

Cockatoos persist in very low numbers. No recent observation contained more than two birds at a time. Habitat is seriously degraded and lack of nest trees might be a limiting factor. Poaching for the pet trade is still ongoing, due to insufficient law enforcement, particularly in remote areas.

Figure 5. Vegetation and land use of Patnanungan Island (Hampson et al., 2002). Light green: coconut, dark green: forest, blue: mangrove, orange ricefield, light orange: cornfield, olive: grassland, grey: settlement

Methodologies

Information on the biology and ecology of the cockatoo is gathered through direct observation. On Rasa and Dumaran, movements of the cockatoos can be best observed from a boat, from beaches or coral outcrops. Very dense vegetation on the island considerably hampers visibility on transect walks or point counts.

Monitoring of the population trend on Rasa and Dumaran is done through counting individuals at a traditional roosting site, which is situated in a mangrove area and can be overlooked from a boat. Counts are conducted monthly before sunset on Rasa and daily on Dumaran. Exceptionally, counts are also conducted during dawn before birds leave the roosting site. Whenever possible, counts on Rasa are conducted under similar weather and light conditions. No roosting sites are known from Culasian and Patnanungan.

The core components of all project sites are wardening schemes, usually employing former poachers. Wardens inspect the nest trees starting end of September. During the breeding season, the nest trees are under permanent surveillance. Trees are climbed and nest holes controlled every ten days during that time. For safety reasons, dead or damaged trees are not climbed. Nest trees are characterized through species identification, tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), height of nest hole, exposition of nest hole, diameter of hole,


Jan–May 2006 p.20

diameter at base and depth of cavity. The geographic location of each nest tree is taken with the help of a GPS and marked in a map.

Presence or absence and condition of adult birds, eggs, nestlings or nest predators are noted. Nestlings are weighed with Pesola spring balances and banded with aluminum rings bearing the inscription of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and number (e.g. DENR 0030-06).

Volunteers are detailed in monitoring stations at the mainland coasts of Narra within and outside the breeding season. These volunteers record all sightings of cockatoos and other significant wildlife in the area of assignment. Radio telemetry was employed in 2006 to gather data on dispersal and mortality of fledglings from Narra.

Surveys in unknown areas are based on historical sources or recent information. To initially narrow down the searches, non-formal interviews with key informants (poachers, other forest users, barangay officials, school teachers) are conducted. Surveys aim to identify remnant cockatoo populations or areas which are suitable for translocation.

Herbarium collections are made of key plants in cockatoo habitats, particularly food-providing plants, nest and roost trees. The physical structures of cockatoo breeding habitats are characterized through forest profiles. Phenological information on fruiting and flowering of food-providing trees are systematically collected on Rasa.

Restoration of mangrove is conducted on Rasa through transplanting of nursery grown trees. Experimental restoration of lowland forest habitat is done in on Dumaran. Particularly nest- and food-providing plants for cockatoos are systematically tested for their suitability for reforestation.

Composition of remaining bird communities in project and survey sites is assessed using MacKinnon-Lists and, occasionally, mist-netting. Composition of mammal, reptile and amphibian communities in project sites is assessed through direct observations, mist- and harp-netting, live-trapping (Sherman type and locally-made cage type) and pitfall trapping.

To identify potential cooperators for the projects, livelihood needs, and capacities, stakeholder and SWOT analyses are employed. Participatory planning is done through goal-oriented project planning methodology. Alternative livelihood is provided for key-stakeholders of the cockatoo and the PAs, based on the needs assessments.

Conservation education activities employ the PRIDE approach which uses marketing methodologies to galvanize community support for conservation. This uses the Philippine cockatoo as flagship species in order to cultivate and promote pride among local partners. Proven marketing vehicles like billboards, posters, fact sheets, puppet shows, school and community visits, festivals and media participation are used to deliver relevant and compelling conservation messages.


Jan–May 2006 p.21

RESULTS AND PROGRESS

Output 1: Stabilization of the cockatoo population in Rasa Island, Palawan, through co-management of the protected area

Wardening scheme

Eight wildlife wardens got their deputation approval, Regional Special Order No. 018 series of 2006 on Jan. 26 under the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program (PCCP) within the jurisdiction of CENRO, Narra.

An issue handled within the reporting period was the illegal cutting of mangroves on Rasa. An ocular investigation was conducted were measurements of cut mangroves were taken. All data are forwarded to DENR CENRO for proper action. There was no suspect found unfortunately.

Wardens are also vigilant this time for illegal activities on the island especially that it is the breeding season. Rumors of illegal entry as per Municipal Ordinance 2004-61 are taken seriously and acted upon not only by wardens but also by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

The controversial hut of Mario Batac established in 2002 outside of his claimed area in Rasa is finally voluntarily dismantled by the owner himself with the help of the wardens. Mario now serves as a volunteer and works closely with the wardens on Rasa.

Besides being occupied with the banding schedules for the cockatoo hatchlings this year, the wardens also assist in the floral inventory conducted by WPU through Lita Sopsop.

Technical support to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)

Among the highlights of the meetings conducted since the institutionalization of

the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary (RIWS) were:

• The draft Internal Rules and Regulations of the PAMB.

• Creation of a Technical Working Group.

• The issue of chairmanship of the PAMB – Resolution 2006-01 retaining the Mayor of Narra, Palawan as chairman of the Board and therefore co-sharing the chairmanship with DENR and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PSCD) was approved. The resolution also proposed that a Memorandum of Agreement between and among the PCSD and the DENR and the Municipality of Narra shall be enacted.

• The workplan for this year’s breeding season which was approved by the body for implementation.

• Preliminary discussion on fees and charges for visiting birders and enthusiasts to Rasa.

As for this year’s breeding season, OIC of Protected Areas and Wildlife Section of CENRO-Narra E. Alfaro actively participated in all project activities i.e. banding of hatchlings, interactions with cross/study visitors and media outreaches of the PCCP.

Conservation education (CE)

On the occasion of the Foundation Day of Narra, KF sponsored Katala Fun Day where various activities were undertaken to include: mascot appearance, basic ecology lectures, puppet shows, Katala pop song contest, face painting and environmental games. About 200 students participated actively in the activity. The main topic imparted in all


Jan–May 2006 p.22

CE activities not only in Narra but other project sites as well is on the importance of protected areas.

Two national highs schools of Narra were also supported this year by the PCCP to participate in the Youth Environment Summer Camp. Most of the young students sent were active members of the Narra Youth Organization for Environmental Conservation (NYOFEC). This group of students, apart from the core group, is actively helping out the CE activities in Narra.

Alternative Livelihood

Agricultural Farming Project revolves on its own income; in fact, their bookkeeper’s service is paid from its income. There are 22 beneficiaries of the project to date.

Ecotourism

Five major groups conducted cross visits to Rasa within the period. The study/cross visits were aimed at learning about experiences of Palawan local government units (LGU) and NGO's on threatened species and habitat protection and conservation. The objective to visit Rasa Island and the KF project sites is to interact with its key players and the community in order to learn from experience in threatened species conservation. The groups were:

• Haribon Foundation NGO partners from Antique and Negros Occidental who was composed mainly of Project Directors and implementers. Their visit was supported by Threatened Species Program (TSP) Program funded by CEPF.

• Quirino Development Cooperative (QUIRIDCO) from Quirino Province, Luzon who was composed of indigenous peoples from Quirino (Bugkalots) and municipal officials. Their visit was

sponsored by UNDP-SGP/RNE/GEF.

• CROC project (27) from Cabagan, Isabela, Cagayan, Northern Luzon. The group was composed of LGU officials from San Mariano, Isabela and tribal representatives. This was sponsored by the CROC project.

• Northern Mindanao NGO Alliance (NORMINGOAL), an alliance of several NGOs represented by their Project Directors and implementers. Sponsored by CEPF.

• 14 participants of the 15th Annual Philippine Biodiversity who opted to visit Rasa during the field trips.

Feedback was gathered from every cross visit to assess whether learning was two way. Most comments were very positive and commend the work of the PCCP particularly the wildlife wardens. There is also growing appreciation of the active and generous support given by the local government of Narra to the project.

Several foreign visitors (Table 1) came to Rasa as well. B. Laender, a Belgian photographer who frequents Rasa, provided us some pictures of cockatoos taken at the roosting site in February 2006. The groups of Tim Fisher and Ben King are frequent and regular visitors of Rasa at this time of the year. Most visitors appreciate the conservation work as reflected in their comments and remarks in the logbook (Annex 1).


Jan–May 2006 p.23

Fig. 6. Cockatoos at the roosting site, Rasa Island, Palawan ©B.Laender

Dr. Mundita Lim, Assistant Director of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of DENR visited Rasa Island with Dr. Nielsen Donato of the Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Inc. (PAWVI). The visit provided the opportunity for direct local partners to meet Dr. Lim and also to check on the health of the hatchlings on Rasa.

Another milestone is the media outreach Rasa got this year. GMA TV network featured Rasa as one of the seven last paradises in the Philippines. The feature focused around the work of the wildlife wardens in protecting the remaining populations of the Philippine cockatoo in the wild and the island habitat from illegal activities. It was aired on April 30 at prime time.

Lobbying for legal protection of Rasa Island through presidential and/or congressional proclamation

On February 15, 2005, Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Presidential Proclamation 1000 declaring Rasa Island, Municipality of Narra as protected area pursuant to RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 1992 and shall be known as Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

After eight years of lobbying, we are two steps away from the Congressional Action as per Department Administrative Order 25, series of 1992 (PAWB, 1992). We are now discussing options with the KF President, Hon. Zubiri, who is vice

chair of the Committee on Environment at the House of Congress, as to how we can move on especially considering that the incumbent Philippine government is opting for Charter Change.

Networking with other relevant institutions/organizations

A tie up with another NGO is being developed. Earth Rights People’s Rights (ERPR) are active in southernmost parts of Palawan e.g. Balabac (Pandanan and Bugsuk Islands) where viable cockatoo remnant populations of cockatoos were confirmed. Perhaps in the next reporting period a formal visit is done to the area in cooperation with ERPR who has initiatives in the said areas.

Fig. 7. Cockatoos roosting in Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan. ©M.Espejo

Constraints and measures taken

• On the case of the illegal cutting reported in the last period, there has been no progress yet from the part of DENR. Our legal counsel had sent a letter to the Regional Executive Director of DENR-Region IV-B MIMAROPA; however, a directive had been given to the PENRO and CENRO to take appropriate steps. It is hoped though that DENR shall take stands and concrete action as instances like this will only discredit the work of the wardens on field and also diminish their morale.


Jan–May 2006 p.24

• It seemed very unclear what and how shall the PAMB do the next steps after the Presidential Proclamation was signed. We have sought guidance from PAWB and PENRO. In the last meeting though, it was decided that we invite the Regional Director of DENR-Region IV-B MIMAROPA to attend the next regular meeting for a clearer direction.

• There is no definite date as to when we can indeed come up with the Congressional Act in favor for Rasa Island. We shall continue lobbying with the help of Congressmen Mitra and Zubiri.

• It is also hoped that with the proclamation of Rasa as

protected area, pertinent laws and regulations will be strictly implemented and respected not only by people but also by enforcers and concerned agencies.

• We make sure that cross visits do not only benefit the visitor but also provide new insights on community-based conservation initiatives particularly for our wardens.


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Table 1. Information-Education-Communication campaigns, Narra, Rizal, Dumaran, Palawan, Philippines, January – May 2006

Date Activities Conducted Location Audience/Persons Attended

01/04/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” re: warden preparation for breeding season 2006 and mainland volunteers´ activities

Radio Natin 96.7, Narra

All radio listeners

01/11/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: local government´s existing ordinances and resolutions, SKM-Inc participation to conservation work and livelihood projects


All radio listeners

01/18/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: wardens´ scheme/work with SDENROs A. Deig and E. Batac as guests


All radio listeners

01/25/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: DENR participation in conservation works and the existing laws NIPAS Act, PD 705 and Wildlife Act 9147 with E. Alfaro as guest


All radio listeners

02/01/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program Radio Natin 96.7, Narra


02/01-03/06 School visit: Lecture with the use of activity book

Day Care I & II Day care pupils and teachers

02/15/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Breeding season activities and reminders


All radio listeners

02/18/06 Orientation of PSU-NCCRD students on Rasa Island conservation work

Panacan Port, Narra

PSU-NCCRD students

02/18/06 Basic field lectures on different ecosystems to PSU-NCCRD students

Emelina Island, Narra

PSU-NCCRD students

02/22/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program Radio Natin 96.7, Narra


02/22-24/06 School visit: Lecture on biology and ecology of the Philippine cockatoo

Grades 4 and 5 of Dumaran Elem. School

Grade 4 and 5 students + teachers

02.26-28.06 1st Kalikasan Festival: environmental parade,

booths and exhibits, street dancing, film showing, tree planting, basic ecology interactive lecture, puppet show, mascot show, biodiversity quiz, environmental themed drawing contest, environmental games and Search for Munting Bb. Kalikasan, etc.

Culasian, Rizal Residents of Bgy. Culasian and nearby barangays

03/03/06 School visit: Lecture on “Basic Environmental Principles”

Grade VI, Dumaran Elem. School

28 pupils and teacher in charge

03.06.06 Participation to CFI/PWRCC celebration/ motorcade with mascot

Around Poblacion, PPC

Residents

03/06/06 School visit: Lecture on biodiversity conservation

Grade VI, Dumaran Elem.


03/08.06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Protected Area module and Rizal Festival


All radio listeners

03/09-10/06 Assistance, interaction and guiding cross visitors from Quirino Development Cooperative (QUIRIDCO), Quirino Province

Lagoon Center, Roosting site & Campsite, Rasa

QUIRIDCO cross visitors

03/10/06 School visit: lecture on Protected area establishment and management

Grade VI, Dumaran Elem.



Jan–May 2006 p.26

Date Activities Conducted Location Audience/Persons Attended

03/15/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Katala Fun Day activities


All radio listeners

03/17/06 School visit: Lecture on biology and ecology of the Philippine cockatoo

Grade V, Dumaran Elem.


03/18/06 Participation to Narra town fiesta parade with mascot

Around Poblacion, Narra

Poblacion residents

03/19/06 Basic Ecology Interactive Lecture to NNHS, PNHS and SFJC students

Women´s Center, Narra

Estimated 60 students

03/19/06 Katala Fun Day: Puppet show, mascot, “Tahanan ng Katala” singing contest, face painting and environmental games

Narra Gym, Narra

Estimated 150-200 people

03/20-21/06 Assistance, orientation, film showing interaction and guiding cross visitors from Haribon Foundation and its partners

Women´s Center, Roosting site & Campsite, Rasa

Visitors from Haribon Foundation and its partners

03/22/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Katala Fun Day and cross visits


All radio listeners

03/23-24/06 School visit: Lecture on Basic environmental principles

Grades IV & V, Dumaran Elem.


03/25-26/06 Assistance to GMA 7 in filming PCCP

Coastal Forest, Rasa

GMA 7 team

03/27-30/06 School visit: Lectures on biodiversity conservation and protected area establishment and management

Grades IV and V of Dumaran Elem. School

Estimated 113 students were present

04/03-04/06 Assistance, orientation, interaction and guiding cross visitors from Northern Mindanao NGO Alliance (NORMINGOAL)

Women´s Center, Roosting site & Campsite, Rasa

Visitors from NORMINGOAL

04/10/06 Script writing with students KEECenter 7 KCC core members

04/12/06 “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Rizal confiscation (reminders to breeding season), WCSP


All radio listeners

04.18.06 Mascot appearance during Rizal Foundation Day

Punta Baja, Rizal Rizal residents

04.18.06 Katala Fun Day during Rizal Foundation Day Punta Baja, Rizal Rizal residents

04.20.06 Lecture on biodiversity conservation and interdependence and distribution of information materials

Panalingaan, Rizal

15 children

04.23.06 Lecture on biodiversity conservation and interdependence and distribution of information materials

Panalingaan, Rizal

10 children

05/02/06 Lecture on biodiversity conservation, puppet and mascot appearance and distribution of information materials (as welcome to R. Wilkinson)

Panacan Port, Narra

15 children + 3 NYOFEC members

05/15/06 Focus group discussion re: biodiversity center and mainland volunteers´ activities

Antipuluan Bgy. Hall, Narra

Antipuluan Captain, Kagawads and some residents near center

Jan-May 2006

Lectures at KEEC KEEC, Dumaran Elem and High school students


Jan–May 2006 p.27

Output 2. Legal and actual conservation of cockatoos and their habitats in Dumaran Island, Palawan.

Wardening scheme

Regional Special Order No. 020 series of 2006 was approved on Feb. 3 officially deputizing five wildlife wardens under the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program (PCCP) within the jurisdiction of CENRO, Roxas. The other wardens had lacking documents such that approval of deputation is delayed.

Wildlife wardens were able to secure a written statement signed by Mr. Rodulfo Navaos Sr. of So. Omoi, Sto. Tomas, Dumaran on Jan. 10, 2006 stipulating that he will not pursue slash and burn “kaingin” inside the Omoi Cockatoo Reserve. He was caught by wardens doing kaingin within the PA and was reported to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) for action. The said document was also signed by KF through M. Plazos and B. Condesa, wildlife wardens in the presence of MENRO Magbanua.

Conservation education

The partnership with Dumaran Central School (elementary) provides venue for regular school visits. Three hundred eighteen students from Grades 4-6 were reached through school visits. Modules on basic ecological principles, Philippine cockatoo conservation, protected area establishment and management were some of the topics discussed. Commentary sheets reflect positive remarks i.e. teachers’ willingness to support conservation education activities.

Meanwhile, the Katala Environmental Education Center (KEEC) continues to receive interested students. As of April, 514 students have accessed the center either by doing research, borrowing books or just visitation.

Script writing was also initiated by Sunshine, library aide, in preparation for the puppet show for the Kalabukay Festival in June.

Legal protection of Omoi Cockatoo Reserve

In the previous reports, we made mention of two protected areas in Dumaran already secured by municipal resolutions. In January 3, 2006, Municipal Ordinance No. 2006-139 creating the Local Protected Area Management Committee (LPAMC) for Dumaran was approved. However, no meeting has ever been yet initiated by the LPAMC in Dumaran. The Katala Foundation serves as the host organization to the committee. Meanwhile, Section 9 of the said ordinance stipulates that the municipal government of Dumaran through the Office of the Mayor shall appropriate and secure 50,000 pesos yearly for the basic operations of the committee. Nevertheless, KF is expected to secure funds to supplement the operational costs for the protection of the PAs.

Alternative livelihood & capacity building

After the strong typhoon in December which brought havoc to the vegetable garden, wardens and supporters revived the demofarm and broadcasted new vegetable seeds.

The LGU of Dumaran has submitted the action plan worksheet for the PCCP-funded “Watershed Rehabilitation and Restoration in Dumaran Island”.

An area of three hectares was identified close to the town proper of Dumaran which has the most impact of improvement of watershed function for the catchment. A total of 6,000 trees have to be propagated and transplanted to the prepared area during the coming rainy season.


Jan–May 2006 p.28

Experimental habitat restoration

Monitoring of growth performance and survival rates of transplanted trees is continued. No additional planting has been done during the dry season.


• Law enforcement in Dumaran is turtle-paced; if not futile. Kaingin or slash and burn farming practice is prevalent everywhere especially that it is the season now. A meeting was called by the Mayor and the MENRO along with kaingeneros; yet apparently no serious action is being taken.

• Some nest trees are outside the two protected areas. This is because the nests were found later after the forest patch was surveyed and GPS readings were taken and they are situated in degraded ecosystems. Perhaps an amendment to the size of the PAs is deemed necessary in the future though this will add more difficulties in guarding.

• As been said, the LPAMC for the time being is on paper only. Until the 1st meeting shall be held, it is expected that succeeding meetings could be organized.

• There is so much to work out for the Watershed Project which seems not to be of priority to the municipality yet.

Output 3. Continuation of nest-protection scheme in Rizal, Palawan in 2006, after termination of CEPF funding (funding from CEPF requested for 2005)

Nest protection scheme

The wildlife wardens are, for the first season, monitoring nests within the Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area (CMRPA) under close supervision of KF personnel. No poaching incident

has been recorded. A total of 59 nest trees were occupied with 55 pairs of blue-naped parrots, three pairs of hill myna and one pair of Palawan Hornbill. Unfortunately, no breeding attempt was conducted by Philippine cockatoos, despite pairs were observed cutting twigs around nest trees (see Output 4).

The creation of the wardening scheme, improvement of cooperation and heightened awareness among law enforcing agencies in Rizal has lead to the confiscation of three hill mynas and two Philippine cockatoos in early April. The birds originated from an adjacent municipality (Brooke’s Point) and not from Rizal. Based on confiscation reports, the seizure of Philippine cockatoos represents the first one for this species since at least five years.

All the birds were handed over to PWRRC in Puerto Princesa which serves as the official wildlife rescue centre in the province of Palawan.

Legal charges were filed against the person from whom the birds were confiscated, and who reportedly is a well-known wildlife trader in the area. This also seems to be the first time that legal procedures go beyond the mere confiscation of the wildlife, leaving the real perpetrator unharmed.

Capacity building for local decision-makers and law-enforcers facilitated

A 1,954 ha area has been demarcated as protected area (initially under the name Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area) which should arrest the degradation of lowland forest in the area in general, and the extinction of poached species in particular.

An initial protected areas plan has been drafted by KF (Annex 2) and submitted to partners. The area has been formally declared under Barangay Resolution No. 52 of Culasian, with the municipal ordinance still awaiting approval. Members of the municipal council


Jan–May 2006 p.29

indicated that the barangay resolution will be adapted as well on municipal level. Meanwhile, the creation of the Local Protected Area Management Committee (LPAMC) was approved under Executive Order No. 2, series of 2006 by the Municipal Mayor. However, functions and operational procedures have yet to be undertaken in June. All these plans though had been presented to the municipal council during their May session.

So far, 133 bird species are recorded form the forested area, with additional 11 species from an adjacent wetland area which is planned to be included. This number puts the significance of this PA close to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park from which 163 bird species are reported to date.

Conservation education

1st Kalikasan Festival

The first ever festival in Bgy. Culasian was realized on February 26-28, 2006. It has lined up entertaining and educational activities for the three-day celebration. It kicked off with an impressive parade of costumes and ingenuity. Competing teams were dressed in wildlife attires revealing the species they represent i.e. Team Hill Myna, Team Pikoy (Blue-naped), Team Squirrel, Team Unggoy (Macaque). The theme of the celebration was “Ang Kalayaan ng mga Buhay Ilang ay ating Kalikasan” (The survival of wildlife is our future).

Another impressive exhibit and performance were the booth design and displays and the street dancing. Other activities were film showing, environmental jingle making and singing contest, tree planting, basic ecology iinteractive lectures, puppet shows, mascot show, biodiversity quiz, environmental themed drawing contest, games and search for Little Miss Kalikasan. The Katala Fun Day was the

most favorite part of the festival (32%). A total of three thousand spectators day and night were randomly counted during the 3-day festival. Please see pictures in Annex 3.

Fig. 8. Team Bising (squirrel) during the street dancing competition, 1

st Kalikasan

Festival, Culasian, Rizal, Palawan ©PWidmann.

Guest speaker on the opening day was Nancy Ibuna, Grant Associate of the CEPF Philippines Coordinating Unit.

A survey on the festival’s activities was conducted to assess its effectivity in publicizing conservation message that is to protect wildlife species from illegal trade and hunting. From the 59 random respondents, 92% participated of which 61% were spectators and 31% were active participants to activities. When asked what the festival reminded them, 53% responded that it is the need to protect wildlife and their habitat or the forests.

The respondents said the festival’s activities had increased their awareness on wildlife and their links to habitat and human activities (86%). Moreso, 53% said that the festival had provided them ideas as to how they can help protect and conserve wildlife and their habitats. It has encouraged (86%) of the respondents to help stop illegal trade and support conservation efforts. 73% would not consider keeping animals as pets meanwhile.

Further, 89% reported confidence in teaching others about environmental


Jan–May 2006 p.30

issues while 80% finds it true that they think about whether or not their actions could harm the environment.

From the 59 random respondents, 36% remains not knowledgeable about wildlife trade; however, 95% indicated interests in learning about local wildlife’s status, threats and man’s interactions. While 90% are interested in planting trees as a way of helping and 86% would volunteer to report illegal activities. Respondents ranged from ages 10-65; 51% males and 49% females; mostly farmers (24%), students (19%) and housewives (11%). The respondents (95%) believe that they have the power and the biggest responsibility to protect and conserve their environment.

Thanks to the CEPF and likewise to the local government unit of Bgy. Culasian who appropriated PhP20,000 for the affair. Other donors were Katala Foundation through its principal donor and partners.

Katala Fun Day

During the founding anniversary of the municipality of Rizal, KF sponsored one full day of fun and activities with kids and adults alike.

An estimated 150 students participated in the Fun Day. Printed information materials were distributed i.e. 2006 calendars, posters, brochures.

Fig. 9. Kids gather around to listen to lectures during the Katala Fun Day in Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan. ©RCruz.

Fig. 10. Interactive lectures encourage kids to participate in the discussions while having fun learning during the Katala Fun Day in Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan. ©D. van den Beukel (top) and RCruz (below).

Post project survey of the CE campaign in Rizal has been conducted but analysis is available by next reporting period.


Jan–May 2006 p.31

Output 4. Research and monitoring on distribution, habitat requirements and restoration, breeding and feeding ecology and publication of results.

Comprehensive floral inventories in Rasa and Dumaran initiated and phenological research continued

The floral inventory on Rasa Island conducted by a botanist and students from Western Philippines University is ongoing.

Systematic testing of propagation and performance of cockatoo-relevant plant species for habitat restoration conducted

KF entered into an agreement with the municipality of Dumaran for the project “Watershed Rehabilitation and Restoration in Dumaran Island”.

Cockatoo population and nest monitoring in project sites continued

Rasa

As of end of May, 39 cockatoo hatchlings have been reported from 24 nest trees. This is the highest number of hatchling we recorded since the start of the project in 1998. This good result is likely the result of high food availability on Rasa due to sufficient rain during La Niña (which often follows El Niño phenomena, like the one of 2005). Within the reporting period 24 cockatoo hatchlings have been banded (Table 2), and the remaining will follow within the next week.

One clutch of three eggs, one clutch of one egg, and two nestlings were possibly taken by predators. In one case a

spotted wood-owl Strix seloputo was observed close to the nest hole.

Also encouraging is the discovery of eight new nest trees indicating that availability of nest holes is presently not a limiting factor in Rasa. Still no nest boxes were occupied in the 2006 breeding season.

Dumaran

Monitoring in Dumaran resulted in four occupied nests with four, two and another two hatchlings respectively. A fourth nest had two eggs, but the nest hole was taken over by wild bees. The weakest of the clutch of four died and was retrieved from the nest. Six hatchlings were banded, and a seventh fledged unbanded. All banded hatchlings were in good condition as of May 25, 2006. No ecto-parasite infestation was noted, crops of three hatchlings were full during banding, weights were normal for the age averaging 259 grams and ranging between 240 and 306 grams.

Rizal

Despite intensive monitoring no breeding attempt of Philippine cockatoos has been recorded from Rizal. Pairs were observing two nest holes, fresh faeces and cut twigs indicated occupation, but nesting did not take place.

Polillo

As of end of reporting period, no reports on breeding success in Polillo are available.

Confident information on location and features of nest trees from the four project sites are available for project partners upon request.


Jan–May 2006 p.32

Table 2. Banded cockatoo hatchlings on Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan as of May 26, 2006.

Nesting Tree No. & Name

Banded Ring No. Date of Banding

Weight (g)

Remarks

36 Pagatpat

3 DENR 0001-06 DENR 0002-06 DENR 0003-06

05/11/06 127 327 292

- healthy, with few foods on crop - healthy, with few foods on crop - healthy, with foods on crop

41 Bogo

3 DENR 0006-06 DENR 0007-06 DENR 0005-06

05/18/06 236 261 103

- healthy, with few foods on crop, transmitter placed - healthy, youngest, with few foods on crop - healthy, eldest, with few foods on crop

3 Bogo

3 DENR 0008-06 DENR 0009-06 DENR 0010-06

05/18/06 135 141 295

- healthy, eldest, with few foods on crop - healthy, with few foods on crop - healthy, youngest, with few foods on crop

16 Pagatpat

3 DENR 0011-06 DENR 0013-06 DENR 0014-06

05/18/06 174 186 176


38 Pagatpat

2 DENR 0015-06 DENR 0016-06

05/24/06 106 305

- healthy, young, with few foods on crop - healthy, old, with few foods on crop

21 Pagatpat

3 DENR 0017-06 DENR 0018-06 DENR 0019-06

05/24/06 103 101 306


07 Bogo

2 DENR 0020-06 DENR 0023-06

05/26/06 306 272

- healthy, young, with few foods on crop - healthy, old, with few foods on crop

06 Bogo

3 DENR 0024-06 DENR 0025-06 DENR 0027-06

05/26/06 12-1 pm

95 147 284

- healthy, eldest, no food on crop - healthy, with few foods on crop - healthy, youngest, with few foods on crop

39 Pagatpat

1 DENR 0028-06 05/26/06 3:15-3:25

pm

223 - healthy, old, with few foods on crop

37 Pagatpat

1 DENR 0029-06 05/26/06 3:40 pm

351 - healthy, old, with many foods on crop

Research on fledgling dispersal and survival conducted

Radio-telemetry equipment has been purchased from various sources (R-1000 telemetry receiver from Communications Specialists, Inc.; RA-14k H-antenna from Telonics; and four 2B-2C transmitters from Holohil, Inc.).

The first radio-tag was attached on May 18, 2006 to the oldest hatchling in one

clutch (Fig. 11). The fledgling since then was monitored daily for signal and every second day for well-being (growth, weight, injuries). The fledgling was performing well and signal could be retrieved some 300 m away from the nest hole.

In the first week of June the remaining three transmitters will be placed on the second-oldest (2) and the youngest (1) of different clutches.


Jan–May 2006 p.33

Figure 11. Radio-tagged cockatoo hatchling. Photo: P. Widmann.

Numbers of cockatoos counted on the roosting site in Rasa were decreasing since end of 2005, since pairs stayed close to the nest sites (Fig. 12).

0

20

40

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'99

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'99

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'01

Jul.

'01

Nov.

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'02

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Figure 12. Numbers of Philippine cockatoos counted at the traditional roosting site on Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan.

Likewise, numbers of cockatoos decreased on the roosting site in Lagan,

Dumaran, as has been observed during previous breeding seasons.


Jan–May 2006 p.34

0

5

10

15

20

25

Aug.0

3

Oct.03

Dec.0

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Figure 13. Numbers of Philippine cockatoos counted at the traditional roosting site in Lagan, Dumaran, Palawan

Numbers of cockatoos foraging on the mainland were generally lower in 2006 (Fig. 14) compared to the 2005 breeding season. We observed cockatoos foraging mainly on Rasa itself. More

precipitation resulted in more fruiting on the island, and consequently in better nourishment and survival rates for cockatoo offspring.

0

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40

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80

Jan. 06 Feb. 06 Mar. 06 Apr. 06 May

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Figure 14. Maximum daily numbers of Philippine cockatoos from January to May 2006 recorded in the mainland opposite Rasa by any one observer during one observation.

Papers submitted for publication to relevant journals

Two papers were submitted for publication: ‘Potentials and limitation of

community-based parrot conservation projects – the example of the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program by P. Widmann et al. and ‘Trapping and


Jan–May 2006 p.35

hunting of wildlife in Rizal, Palawan, Philippines’ by D. van den Beukel et al.


• The absence of breeding cockatoos in the new project site (Rizal) comes as a surprise, given the four nest sites reported by poachers in 2005. Since there is still a small resident cockatoo population in the area and the habitat is excellent, it is hoped that breeding will take place in the following years. KF through SPAPI set the framework for exclusion of further human encroachment and poaching. If in the next two years no breeding should occur, we recommend reinforcing the resident cockatoo population with rescued birds from Rasa or from other safe sources.

Output 5. Cockatoo surveys and assessments of potential translocation sites.

The translocation attempt to Lagen Island in El Nido came to a halt, because Ten-Knots-Development Corporation (TKDC) did not commit support for the project to a degree as has been expected based on prior negotiations.

The deployment of Paul Morris, zoo keeper from Chester Zoo with experience in the echo parakeet project in Mauritius had to be cancelled on short notice. However, KF was assured by NEZS that a later assignment would be possible, subject to availability.

A Gratuitous Permit (No. 152) was secured to collect blood, feather, faeces and parasite samples from the ten rescued cockatoos. Dr. Mundita Lim, Dr. Glenn Rebong and Dr. Nielsen Donato examined and sampled the birds on April 24. The birds were found in good to excellent condition. No parasites were found in faeces samples. Pack cell volumes were found in the normal range.

Blood samples for viral examination need to be sent abroad.

The reconnaissance survey in the Calamianes group of island has been conducted by staff from FFI-Philippines. The presence of cockatoos on Coron Island was confirmed through secondary information. Access to the island is restricted, since it is an ancestral domain claimed by the Tagbanua ethnic group.

Field work in selected areas will commence in the next reporting period.

Technical cooperation with Polillo Ecology Stewardship Project in Polillo continued

Liza Dans, ‘Enteng’ Yngente and Siegfred Diaz conducted a survey combined with IEC campaigns in Patnanungan Island, Anibawan and Carlagan, Polillo Island, Quezon from March 4 to 16.

Two additional Shorea sp. strangled by “balete” trees of the genus Ficus, were identified as likely cockatoo nest sites. According to locals, both trees have been frequented by cockatoos in 2005 and also in early 2006. Edgar, the sole KF warden in Polillo will monitor these during the breeding season.

An encouraging record is the infrequent observation of cockatoos from Burdeos, Polillo Island itself, since all other recent records in the past year came from Patnanungan Island. From the same area we also received secondary information of a possible nesting pair of blue-backed parrots Tanygnathus sumatranus in a taluto Pterocymbium tinctorium.

Alejandre “Andet” Gomez, who provided information on cockatoos in the area is in the meantime deputized as forest guard by the local barangay. He will update Enteng in the ongoing breeding season.


Jan–May 2006 p.36


• The main obstacle in the translocation apparently is the expensive monitoring scheme which includes visits from PAWB staff (flying in from Manila) every second week, which neither TKDC, nor KF can shoulder. Dr. Lim form PAWB in the meantime agreed that most of the monitoring could be taken over by local DENR personnel, particularly from the office of the El-Nido-based Protected Area Superintendent. The project should be presented during one of the regular meetings of the local Protected Areas Management Board. Unfortunately, KF received the invitation to the May meeting only less than a day before the schedule, which was too tight for travel to El Nido from Puerto Princesa.

• Due to bird flu, all contacted laboratories in USA and Europe do not accept blood samples from Asia for testing. We currently check other laboratories in U.K. and Australia.

Output 6. Preparation for a Biodiversity Conservation Center in Narra.

Other potential donors contacted

KF received grants over 2,500 Euro from ZGAP for the development of the quarantine area. The money will be used to fence ca. 2000 m2 and to establish an aviary to accommodate rescued cockatoos from Rasa. Aside from that two enclosures for freshwater turtles is envisioned.

KF received a grant of 10,000 Euro for a Palawan freshwater turtle project from the European Association of Zoo and Aquaria Shellshock Turtle and Tortoise

Conservation Campaign, part of which will be used to develop the quarantine area.

Feasibility assessed

The report of the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted by the School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of the Philippines Los Baños will be available only in June. But during discussions with the group it became apparent that no serious obstacles for the projects were identified. The group highlighted the support of the local government units and the population in Narra. The group also agreed that backfilling of the area is needed to avoid flooding, which according to them may occur every 25 years.

A tentative workplan for the project has been produced by KF as basis for future proposals and to provide the assessment team with details of the project (Annex 4).

Landscaping in the meantime has commenced with the construction of a dirt road to the area (Fig.15).

Figure 15. Construction of access road to the future center. Photo: D. van den Beukel

Constraints and actions taken

• Access to the area with heavy machines was hampered due to extensive rain also within the dry season. Machinery is available on short notice during dry spells,


Jan–May 2006 p.37

courtesy of the municipality of Narra, so that basic landscaping can continue, as long as extensive rainfalls do not set in.

Other highlights

Project monitoring visit of Dr. Roger Wilkinson

On May 1-7, 2006, Dr. Roger Wilkinson of North England Zoological Society/ Chester Zoo (NEZS/Chester) conducted monitoring visit to PCCP project sites in Dumaran and Rizal, southern Palawan. Roger spent time meeting with on site wildlife wardens and project partners.

This monitoring visit is greatly appreciated as it boosts morale of our project partners and most importantly of our key partners like wildlife wardens. We also had the chance to discuss with Roger project directions and plans.

NEZS/Chester is a major funding partner of the Loro Parque Fundacion (LFP) who consistently support financially the PCCP implementation.

15th Annual Philippine Biodiversity Symposium of the Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines (WCSP)

The Katala Foundation along with Conservation International – Palawan program and the Western Philippines University hosted the 15th Philippine Biodiversity Symposium on April 5-8, 2005 at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. This year’s theme was “Red lists as tool for conservation planning”.

The symposium was so far the most attended WCSP which is held since 15 years. Different wildlife researchers and scientists here and abroad graced the occasion. Keynote speaker was Dr. Susan Ellis, Vice President for Indonesia and Philippine programs of CI. Other key people were Dr. Nigel Collar of Birdlife International, Dr. Thomas Brooks of CI, Dr. Wes Sechrest of the International

Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), Dr. Lawrence Heaney of The Field Museum, Chicago, Dr. Perry Ong of UP-Diliman.

The symposium was made possible through the generous funding from the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Manila, and Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), CEPA, Haribon Foundation, Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF), Conservation International, Katala Foundation, and Western Philippines University. The Provincial Government and the Office of the City Mayor Puerto Princesa likewise financially supported the gathering.

Global Mammal Assessment – IUCN

KF is privileged to organize the Global Mammal Assessment conducted on April 9-11, 2005 at Puerto Princesa City. This was sponsored by the IUCN, Switzerland and the Istituto de Ecologia Applicata, Italy.

KF actively contributed in the assessment of mammals for the Palawan Faunal Region.

Other remarkable bird nesting records

Grey imperial-pigeon Ducula pickeringii: One active nest on Rasa.

Blue-naped parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis:

Blue-headed racquet-tail Prioniturus platenae: At least one active nest on Rasa. The species is common in two other project sites, but nesting sites were not yet found in Dumaran and Culasian.

Mantanani scops-owl Otus mantananensis: One active nest in Rasa.

Palawan hornbill Anthracoceros marchei: Two active nests in Dumaran, one in Culasian.

Memorandum of Agreement between KFI and Philippine


Jan–May 2006 p.38

Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Inc. (PAWVI)

A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between KF and the Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Inc. (PAWVI). Vice presidents of both organizations were official signatories to the new MOA. This partnership is good for the PCCP as it needs the expertise of veterinarians in return veterinarians learn from in-situ conservation work.

This partnership was founded on the veterinary protocols the PCCP needed for the intended translocation project in El Nido. This has resulted to Dr. Donato’s participation to the sampling of the ten rescued cockatoos which are now under custody of the KF as it awaits transfer to translocation site.

KFI Planning Workshop for 2006

A one day planning workshop was conducted mid January to establish timetable for outputs for 2006. The workshop was good to identify gaps and to fill in responsibilities for activities drafted. A mid year planning is intended to assess the progress and to further set up activities for the succeeding year.

Monitoring visit of PAWB and PAWVI

In April, Assistant Director of PAWB Dr. Mundita Lim visited Rasa Island. The two day monitoring visit positively charged the wardens in particular as they had chance to interact with Dr. Lim and Dr. Nielsen Donato, visiting veterinarian. Both vets were able to visit campsite and checked hatchlings from one nest tree.

After the visit of Drs. Lim and Donato in Rasa Island, the scheduled sampling of the 10 rescued cockatoos together with Dr. Glenn Rebong from PWRRC was done at the KFI office (Fig 16). , followed by a meeting with Peter and Indira.

Figure 16. Physical examination and sampling of ten rescued Philippine cockatoos by Dr. M. Lim, Dr. G. Rebong and Dr. N. Donato Photo: P. Widmann

Relevant seminars, meetings and workshops organized and attended

• 15th Annual Philippine Biodiversity Symposium, Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, April 5-8, 2006 (co-hosted).

• Global Mammal Assessment, IUCN, Puerto Princesa City, April 10-12, 2006 (organized).

• Wildlife Enforcement Officers Training, Puerto Princesa City, May 23-26, 2006 (participated).

• Workshop on Millennium Development Goals sponsored by Carpus, Germany, Puerto Princesa City, April 9, 2006 (participated).

• National Prioritization Workshop, Tagaytay City, April 18-20, 2005 (participated).

• SB presentation on the results of the SPAPI, Rizal, Palawan, May 17, 2006.

• GIS users meeting, CI Palawan, March 24, 2006 (participated).

• Organized visits of legal counsels of the PCCP.


Jan–May 2006 p.39

• Reef Monitoring and Evaluation Training (follow-up sessions), May 2006.

Summary of Presentations:

• Powerpoint presentation on “Bringing back the Katala: 1st steps to restore the Philippine cockatoo”, WCSP’s 15th Annual Symposium, April 5-8, 2006.

• Powerpoint presentation on “Trapping and Hunting of Wildlife in Rizal, Palawan, Philippines”, WCSP’s 15th Annual Symposium, April 5-8, 2006.

• Powerpoint presentation on “Southern Palawan Anti-Poaching Initiative – A proposal for two protected areas”, prepared for the regular seesion of the Municipal council of Rizal on May 17, 2006.

Media outreach

• 1st Kalikasan Festival, Culasian, Rizal, Palawan, February 26-28, 2006.

• GMA Network’s feature on 7 paradises in the Philippines which included Rasa Island as haven for the cockatoo.

• Press release on “Presidential Proclamation 1000 ensures survival of Philippine cockatoo in Rasa Island in Narra”, Bandillo ng Palawan, Vol 9 No 10, March 6-12, 2006.

• Press release on “Narra’s Rasa Island declared wildlife sanctuary”, Palawan Destination, April 2006.

• Press release on “Rizal stages 1st Kalikasan Festival”, Palawan Destination, February 2006.

• Press release on “Rizal celebrates Kalikasan Festival”, Palawan Times, Palawan, April issue.

• Kalikasan Festival, Rizal, Palawan, February 26-28, 2006.

• Mascot appearance (city parade) during the 16th Crocodile Conservation Week Motorcade of Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), March 6, 2006

• Mascot appearance during the opening salvo of the Baragatan Festival of the Province of Palawan, May 22, 2006.

• Mascot appearance during the Rizal Foundation Day, April 18, 2006.

• Katala Fun Day, Rizal Foundation Celebration, April 18, 2006.

• Distributed 2006 calendar on the importance of protected areas. The calendar showed pictures of activities in all 3 project sites.


Jan–May 2006 p.40

Implications for further work

• Improved security situation and relations to private land-owners make an assessment for a future project site in southern Palawan feasible. A roosting site of Phil. Cockatoos is known from Pandanan Island (see Technical Progress Report 2/02). Another (or alternative) roosting site has recently been reported to us from the neighboring island. Numbers of cockatoos counted during the two occasions imply that this area still may hold a viable population.

• Despite the fact that no cockatoo breeding was observed in 2006 in the newly created PA, this project component should be retained for the next two years. Cockatoos are still present in the area and show interest in the nest trees, as indicated by cut twigs and inspection of the nest holes. Reasons for the lack in breeding opportunities are currently unknown. Possibly remaining birds are still too young to breed, but a number of other factors can play a role. The area is, for the first time, reasonably well protected from poaching. The habitat is still in good condition, due to the high density of potential nest trees in suitable lowland areas. If no breeding should occur within the next two years, reinforcement of the resident cockatoo population with rescued birds from Rasa or other sources should be considered.

• Monitoring visits either from local agencies i.e. DENR, PAWB or from the funding partners indeed leave positive feedback for the entire program implementers. In particular, on site wardens and volunteers are encouraged as they interact with visitors who

greatly appreciate and gave them opportunities to learn more and improve better. We thank both of Dr. Roger Wilkinson from North England Zoological Society and Dr. Mundita Lim of PAWB-DENR for taking time this year.

Planned targets and activities for the next reporting period.

Output 1

• Routine patrolling of Rasa and mainland by wardens and volunteers.

• Conservation education continued.

• Potentials for declaration of Rasa under congressional proclamation explored.

Output 2

• Routine patrolling of wardens continued.

• Experimental habitat restoration continued.


• Watershed rehabilitation project, particularly planting schedule, monitored.

• Enrichment planting in experimental plot continued.

Output 3

• Nest monitoring continued.

• Post project survey analyzed.

• Socio-economic profiling of PA inhabitants conducted


Output 4

• Monitoring of plant phenology and floral composition on Rasa continued.


Jan–May 2006 p.41

• Monitoring of fledgling success in all project sites continued.

• Field work on dispersal and mortality of cockatoo fledglings on Rasa continued.

Output 5

• Involvement of local DENR personnel in translocation project facilitated.

• Survey in Calamianes group of islands conducted.

Output 6

• Continuation of landscaping as long as weather conditions allow.

• Potentials of cooperation with German Development Corporation (GTZ) explored.


Jan–May 2006 p.42

LITERATURE

Boussekey, M. 2000a: European studbook for the Red-vented cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia). St. Martin La Plaine, France. 53pp.

Boussekey, M., 2000b: An integrated approach to the conservation of the Philippine cockatoo or Red-vented cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia. Int. Zoo Yb. (2000) 137-146.

Collar, N.J., N.A.D. Mallari, B.R. Tabaranza, Jr., 1999: Threatened birds of the Philippines. The Haribon Foundation/BirdLife International, Manila, Philippines. 559pp.

Dans, F. G., V. Yngente & E. Abaňo, 2005. Philippine cockatoo monitoring, Patnnungan, Quezon Province. Unpubl. Report of Polillo Islands Biodiversity Foundation, Inc. 7pp.

Dickinson, E.C., R. S. Kennedy & K.C. Parkes, 1991: The birds of the Philippines. B.O.U. check-list no. 12. British Ornithologists’ Union, Tring, UK. 507pp.

Gascoyne, M., G.J. Benjamin, & H.P. Scjwarz, 1979: Sea-level lowering during the Illinoian glaciation: evidence from a Bahama “blue hole” – Science 205:806-808.

Gonzalez, J.C.T. 1997. The ecology and distribution of the birds in the Polillo Islands, Philippines. Unpubl. M.Sc. thesis. 134pp.

Hampson, K., D. Bennett, P. Alviola, T. Clements, C. Galley, M. V. Hilario, M. Ledesma, M. A. Manuba, A. Pulumbarit, M.A. Reyes, E.L.B. Rico & S. Walker 2002. Wildlife and conservation in the Polillo Islands. CD-rom.

Heaney, L.R., 1986: Biogeography of mammals in southeast Asia: Estimates of rates of colonization extinction and speciation – Biological Journal of the Linnaen Society 28:127-165.

IUCN 2006. The IUCN 2006 red list of threatened species. www.redlist.org.

Lambert, Frank. 1994: The Status of the Philippine cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia in Palawan and the Sulu Islands, Philippines. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.

Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, DENR. 1992. NIPAS Act RA 9147 and Implementing Rules and Regulations DAO 25, s 1992.

Widmann, P. 1998. Guide to the ecosystems of Palawan. Times Editons, Singapore. 120pp.

Widmann, P. 2001: Distribution and status of the Philippine cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia in the wild. Unpubl. review and discussion paper. 32pp.

Widmann, P. 2002. Assessment of re-introduction/translocation of the Philippine cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia. Unpubl. discussion paper submitted to PCCP project partners. 24pp.

Widmann, P., I. D. Lacerna & S.H. Diaz, 2001. Biology and conservation of the Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) on Rasa Island, Palawan, Philippines. Proceedings of the 10

th Annual

symposium and scientific meeting of the Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines, April 2001, Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Philippines.


Jan–May 2006 p.43

Worksheet January – May 2006

KEY PROJECT ACTIVITIES DATE INVOLVED PERSON(S)

Inspect kaingin activity with MENRO Jan. 03, 2006 Mike, MENRO Magbanua

Follow up map at CI office Jan. 03, 2006 Glesselle

“Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” re: warden preparation for breeding season 2006 and mainland volunteers´ activities

Jan. 04, 2006 Siegfred, Rommel

Meeting with PAWB, Haribon and office supplies’ purchases Jan. 3-4, 2006 Indira, Peter

Meeting with W. Oliver and WCSP Board Jan. 05, 2006 Indira, Peter Inventory of supplies and equipment Jan. 05, 2006 Glesselle

Ocular inspection / visitation of alleged cut Magtalisay tree inside B. Batac area

Jan. 06, 2006 Siegfred, wardens, LPAMC

Meeting with Ten Knots Dev’t. Corporation and PAWB re: translocation: MOA signing between KFI and PAWVI

Jan. 06, 2006 Peter, Indira

Meeting with Joel Gimenez, GMA Network Jan. 07, 2006 Indira, Peter Fixing, painting, dishauling and hauling of fabricated release aviary to PPC

Jan. 09-13, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

Meeting with Mr. Naraos re: kaingin activity in his area Jan. 10, 2006 Mike “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: local government´s existing ordinances and resolutions, SKM-Inc participation to conservation works and livelihood projects


Meeting with co-host organizations of WCSP Jan. 14, 2006 Indira, Peter

Plotting of nesting trees in Culasian, Rizal in topographic map Jan. 14, 2006 Rommel Katala Foundation planning workshop Jan. 16, 2006 KF staff Meeting with CI Palawan Director and CEPF Grant Manager Jan. 17, 2006 Peter, Indira, Rommel

Encode documentation of KF Planning Workshop Jan. 17, 2006 Glesselle “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: wardens´ scheme/works with SDENROs as guests

Jan. 18, 2006 Siegfred, A. Deig and E. Batac

Fabrication of cockatoo transport boxes and model predators Jan. 18-20, 2006 Siegfred, wardens Inquiry on related organizations re: handicraft training Jan. 18, 2006 Rommel

Facilitate formulation of digitized map for Rizal PA at CI Palawan Jan. 18, 2006 Rommel Verify report on hawksbill turtle found in Noli Sabroso fish pond. Jan. 20, 2006 Mike

Meeting with legal counsel on issues at project site Jan. 24, 2006 KF staff, SDENRO

Inquire at DTI and TESDA re: bamboo and rattan craft for Rizal livelihood project

Jan. 25, 2006 Glesselle

“Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: DENR participation in conservation works and the existing laws NIPAS Act, PD 705 and Wildlife Act 9147 with E. Alfaro as guest


Inspect Alex Macmac kaingin area near the protected area Jan. 26, 2006 Mike Ocular visitation, measurements and assessment of cut mangroves Jan. 27, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

Acquire vessel safety certificate at MARINA Jan. 27, 2006 Glesselle Canvass re: diorama at Palawan Glass Supply and cashew nut splitter at the public market

Jan. 27, 2006 Glesselle

Follow up confiscation report at PCSDS Jan. 27, 2006 Glesselle Assistance and orientation with floral inventory group Prof. Lita Sopsop and company

Jan. 28, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

Monthly cockatoo count Jan. 29, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

Fix billboard at Dumaran wharf Jan. 29, 2006 Mike, wardens

Monthly cockatoo count and checking of disturbances Jan. 30, 2006 Siegfred, warden Investigation and visitation of new roosting trees and possible disturbances

Jan. 30, 2006 Siegfred, warden

Wardens meeting Jan. 31, 2006 Siegfred, wardens Preparations of documents for the translocation project Jan. 2006 Peter, Indira “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program Feb. 01, 2006 Siegfred, Rommel,

Bojie School visit: Lecture with the use of activity book Feb. 01-03, 2006 Sunshine


Jan–May 2006 p.44

Assist and guide professional photographer B. De Leander Feb. 01-03, 2006 Siegfred, wardens Check vegetable garden, experimental plot and nursery Feb. 02, 2006 Mike

Laminate pictures for face painting Feb. 02, 2006 Glesselle

WCSP host organizations meeting Feb. 06, 2006 Indira, Peter

Pick up BIR forms for the whole day at CPA’s office Feb. 08, 2006 Glesselle Calamianes Project Meeting Feb. 11, 2006 Peter, Indira Mangrove planting and assessment at Rasa Island restoration zone Feb. 13, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

Assistance and guiding international birdwatchers Feb. 14 & 19, 2006 Siegfred, warden Follow request for handicraft training in Rizal at DTI Feb. 14, 2006 Glesselle

“Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Breeding season activities and reminders to Narra residents

Feb. 15, 2006 Debbie, Siegfred, Bojie

Third remittance: agricultural farming project Feb. 15, 2006 Debbie, R. Deig

Preparation for 1st Kalikasan Festival in Culasian, Rizal Feb. 13-25, 2006 Indira, SPAPI team

PAMB monitoring and patrolling at entrance of Rasa Island Feb. 16, 2006 Siegfred, wardens, PAMB

Coordination with Engr. Roldan Parangue of NCIP Feb. 17, 2006 Siegfred Meeting with Culasian youth re: organization of puppeteers and teaching of “Tahanan ng Katala” song

Feb. 17, 2006 Debbie, Rommel

Survey of katala within Bgy. Poblacion Feb. 17, 2006 Mike Meeting with KF President and office supplies’ purchases Feb. 17, 2006 Indira

Orientation of PSU-NCCRD students on Rasa Island Feb. 18, 2006 Siegfred

Basic field lectures on different ecosystems to PSU-NCCRD students at Emelina Island

Feb. 18, 2006 Siegfred

Assistance to Prof. Lita Sopsop for conduct of floral inventory at Rasa Island

Feb. 18, 2006 Wardens

Meeting with Bgy. Culasian Council re: program and committees for Kalikasan Festival

Feb. 19, 2006 Debbie, Rommel

Meeting with wardens Feb. 19, 2006 Mike

SPAPI MOA signed by Rizal partners Feb. 20, 2006 Rommel, Debbie

Measuring of seedlings at experimental plots Feb. 20-21, 2006 Mike

Acquire maps at CI re: Narra and Rasa Island land cover maps Feb. 21, 2006 Glesselle

Revised questionnaire re: Rizal Kalikasan Festival Feb. 21, 2006 Glesselle

Haribon meeting re: cross / study visit Feb. 22, 2006 Indira, Peter

“Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program Feb. 22, 2006 Siegfred

School visit: Lecture on biology and ecology of the Philippine cockatoo

Feb. 22-24, 2006 Sunshine

Check possible nest of blue-headed racquet tail in Casipulo Feb. 22, 2006 Mike Prepare laminated pictures for lecture and exhibit in Rizal 1

st

Kalikasan Festival Feb. 23-24, 2006 Glesselle, Indira

Look for possible nesting trees in Dalarat Feb. 25, 2006 Mike 1

st Kalikasan Festival in Culasian, Rizal: environmental parade,

booths and exhibits, environmental street dancing, film showing, environmental jingle making and singing contest, tree planting, basic ecology interactive lecture, puppet show, mascot show, biodiversity quiz, environmental themed drawing contest, environmental games and Search for Munting Bb. Kalikasan

Feb. 26-28, 2006 KF, wardens

Monthly cockatoo count Feb. 27, 2006 Siegfred, warden Establishment of markers within the boundaries of PA in Manambaling

Feb. 27- Mar. 01, 2006

Mike, wardens, Assessor’s Office (Dumaran)

1st Kalikasan Festival in Culasian, Rizal: Culmination and awarding

ceremony Feb. 28, 2006 Debbie, Rommel,

Bojie

Facilitate fabrication and installation of Katala tarpauline frame Mar. 01-02, 2006 Siegfred Meeting with SPAPI wardens and salary disbursement Mar. 01, 2006 Debbie, Rommel Check vegetable garden, experimental plot, and nursery Mar. 02, 2006 Mike

Edit survey questionnaire (Kalikasan Festival in Rizal) in Survey Pro Mar. 02, 2006 Glesselle Check venue for Global Mammal Assessment at Skylight Apartelle Mar. 02, 2006 Glesselle

Press release for Presidential Proclamation 1000 Mar. 03, 2006 Indira School visit: Lecture on “Basic Environmental Principles” Mar. 03, 2006 Sunshine Assisting and guiding bird watchers Mar. 03 & 10, 2006 Siegfred, wardens


Jan–May 2006 p.45

Polillo travel: Cockatoo survey and monitoring Mar. 04-15, 2006 Siegfred Fixing and finishing wood water basin works Mar. 05, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

Participation to CFI/PWRCC celebration/motorcade with mascot Mar. 06. 2006 Rommel

School visit: Lecture on biodiversity conservation Mar. 06, 2006 Sunshine

Worked on Kalikasan survey questionnaires Mar. 06, 2006 Glesselle To mun., DENR, volunteers´ station and SKM bodega re: preparation for cross visitors´ interaction

Mar. 06-07, 2006 Debbie

Meeting with NYOFEC re: Katala Fun Day activities Mar. 07, 2006 Rommel, Bojie “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Protected Area module and Rizal Festival

Mar. 08, 2006 Debbie, Rommel

Orientation and film showing: visitors from Quirino Development Cooperative (QUIRIDCO), Quirino at airport and in Narra

Mar. 09, 2006 Debbie, Rommel, Indira

Assistance to QUIRIDCO re: Rasa Island roosting site and Emelina Island visit; wardens and LGU interaction

Mar. 10, 2006 Debbie, Rommel, Bojie

School visit: lecture on Protected area establishment and management

Mar. 10, 2006 Sunshine

Assistance/facilitate QUIRIDCO interaction with SKM on agricultural farming project at Malinao II and visit to Estrella Falls

Mar. 11, 2006 Debbie, Rommel, Bojie

Assistance to QUIRIDCO at visit to the PWRCC Mar. 11, 2006 Indira, Peter

Meeting with Asst. Dir. PAWB, Dr. Lim Mar. 13, 2006 Indira, Peter Preparation for Katala Fun Day Mar. 13-17, 2006 Debbie, Rommel,

Bojie

Meeting with Bgy. Culasian council re: barangay resolution for PA Mar. 14, 2006 Rommel, Bojie Follow up map at CI re: Manambaling PA and Rizal maps Mar. 14, 2006 Glesselle

Meeting with Wild Bird Club, Manila and legal counsel and office supplies’ purchases

Mar. 14-15, 2006 Indira, Peter

“Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Katala Fun Day activities (promotion and invitation)

Mar. 15, 2006 Debbie, Rommel

Meeting with Rasa wardens and nest update Mar. 15, 2006 Debbie Plant narra seedlings around experimental plot Mar. 16, 2006 Mike, wardens

School visit: Lecture on biology and ecology of the Philippine cockatoo

Mar. 17, 2006 Sunshine

Monitoring of newly found nest at Sitio Omoi Mar. 17, 2006 Mike, wardens

Participation to Narra town fiesta parade with mascot Mar. 18, 2006 PCCP/KF Narra staff and volunteers

Planting of pioneering tree species at boundary line of Katala biodiversity center area

Mar. 19, 2006 Siegfred, wardens, volunteers

Assistance, coordination with Tiffany Tan of GMA 7 Mar. 19, 2006 Siegfred

Basic Ecology Interactive Lecture to NNHS, PNHS and SFJC students and Katala Fun Day activities

Mar. 19, 2006 Debbie, Rommel, Bojie, NYOFEC

Orientation to cross visitors Haribon Foundation and its partners: LGU & community interaction, project beneficiaries and visit to roost site; film showing

Mar. 20, 2006 Siegfred, Debbie, Rommel

Assistance to cross visitors Haribon Foundation and its partners during interaction with wildlife wardens at Rasa campsite and volunteers interaction

Mar. 21, 2006 Siegfred, Rommel

Research writing for WCSP presentation Mar. 21-26, 2006 Debbie, Rommel

Meeting with Haribon visitors Mar. 22, 2006 Indira

WCSP host organizations meeting Mar. 22, 2006 Indira “Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Katala Fun Day (acknowledgment) and cross visits

Mar. 22, 2006 Debbie, Siegfred

Get GPS reading re: kaingin area at Sitio Camaya Mar. 22, 2006 Mike, wardens School visit: Lecture on Basic environmental principles Mar. 23-24, 2006 Sunshine

PAMB meeting at SB Session Hall, Narra Mar. 23, 2006 Indira, Siegfred, Debbie, Rommel

Attendance to PCSD council meeting at Lagoon Training Center Mar. 24, 2006 Siegfred

GIS meeting at CI Palawan office Mar. 24, 2006 Rommel

Assistance to GMA 7 team to Rasa roosting site, campsite and coastal forest re: project documentation

Mar. 25-26, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

Monthly cockatoo count Mar. 26, 2006 Siegfred, warden


Jan–May 2006 p.46

School visit: Lectures on biodiversity conservation and protected area establishment and management

Mar. 27-30, 2006 Sunshine

WCSP last minute preparations re: Check venue, Print and laminate ID’s, Room accommodations, flight schedules, food arrangement and purchase things needed for the workshop

Mar. 27- April 4, 2006

Glesselle, Indira, Jona

Ocular visitation of proposed marine sanctuary area with DA and ELAC

Mar. 29, 2006 Siegfred

Monthly cockatoo count Mar. 31, 2006 Siegfred, warden

Organizational work for the WCSP Conference and Global Mammal Assessment

Feb-Mar, 2006 Glesselle, Indira, Peter

Nest verification in Sos. Pinatitig and Pinagar, Culasian, Rizal Apr. 01, 2006 Rommel, Bojie

Pick up participants of WCSP at the airport and deliver to their respective hotels

Apr. 03-04, 2006 Glesselle, Jona

Assistance, orientation, interaction and guiding cross visitors from Northern Mindanao NGO Alliance (NORMINGOAL) to Rasa Island and during interactions

Apr. 03-04, 2006 Siegfred, Rommel

Assist in WCSP symposium pre-registration Apr. 04, 2006 Indira, Debbie, Glesselle

Attendance to WCSP 15th

Annual Philippine Biodiversity Symposium Apr. 05-08, 2006 KF staff Paper presentation during WCSP 15

th Annual Philippine Biodiversity

Symposium Apr. 06, 2006 Indira, Debbie

Assistance to WCSP for Southern Palawan field trip: CFI, Iwahig, Estrella Falls, Rasa Island

Apr. 08, 2006 Peter, Siegfred, Rommel

Attendance to Millenium Development Goals Workshop by CARPUS Apr. 08, 2006 Debbie

Last minute preparations for the Global Mammal Assessment Apr. 08, 2006 Indira, Peter, GB Attendance to Global Mammal Assessment Apr. 09-10, 2006 Peter, Indira, GB

SPAPI narrative report writing Apr. 10, 11 & 15, 2006

Debbie

Joint apprehension with CIDG and KSK in Bgy. Candawaga, Rizal, 2 cockatoo and 3 Hill myna hatchlings confiscated

Apr. 10-11, 2006 Rommel, Bojie

Orientation and assistance to visitors Stuart Marsden and company, MMU, UK to Rasa Island

Apr. 10-11, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

“Katala at Buhay Kalikasan” radio program re: Rizal confiscation (reminders to breeding season), WCSP

Apr. 12, 2006 Debbie, Rommel

Turn-over of confiscated 2 cockatoo and 3 Hill myna hatchlings to PWRCC

Apr. 12, 2006 Rommel

Meeting with Narra wardens Apr. 17, 2006 Siegfred Mascot appearance during Rizal Foundation Day Apr. 18, 2006 Debbie, Rommel

Deliver GPS readings to CI re: Manambaling PA, Nesting trees, Kaingin areas, Culasian PA and Swamp area in Rizal

Apr. 18, 2006 Glesselle

National Prioritization Workshop, Tagaytay City April 18-20, 2006 Peter

Pick signed MOA at WESCOM Apr. 18, 2006 Glesselle Katala Fun Day during Rizal Foundation Day: environmental lecture, games, interactions

Apr. 18, 2006 Debbie, Rommel, Bojie

SPAPI post-project survey at Bgy. Culasian and Panalingaan, Rizal and Bgy. Tabon, Quezon

Apr. 19-24, 2006 Debbie, Rommel, Bojie

Orientation and assistance to visitor Brian Fletcher to Rasa Island Apr. 19, 2006 Siegfred, wardens Lecture on biodiversity conservation and interdependence and distribution of information materials at Bgy. Panalingaan Proper, Rizal

Apr. 20, 2006 Debbie

Verify report on Palawan hornbill nest at Sitio Palukpok Apr. 20, 2006 Mike, Bal Condesa Monthly cockatoo count Apr. 20, 2006 Siegfred, warden

Orientation and assistance to visitors Director Mundita Lim and company, DENR-PAWB to Rasa Island

Apr. 22-23, 2006 Siegfred, wardens

Meeting with Dr. Lim and Dr. Donato Apr. 23, 2006 Indira, Peter

Sampling of 10 cockatoos: blood, faeces, choanal, cloacal samples; veterinary protocols for translocation

Apr. 24, 2006 Indira, Peter, Dr. Lim. D. Alisto

Lecture on biodiversity conservation, interdependence and material distribution at So. Mandaratag, Tabon, Quezon

Apr. 23, 2006 Debbie

Facilitate request and backhoe excavation to proposed Katala Apr. 25-30, 2006 Siegfred, Danny


Jan–May 2006 p.47

Biodiversity Center through Narra LGU SPAPI financial report January-March 2006 Apr. 26, 2006 Debbie, Indira, Peter

Numbering of trees at experimental plots Apr. 29, 2006 Mike, wardens

Meeting with Narra wardens Apr. 30, 2006 Siegfred, Debbie

Assistance to legal counsel’s visit to Palawan Apr. 28-May 1, 2006 Indira, Peter Assistance to birdwatcher Dave Lee to Rasa Island May 01-02, 2006 Debbie, wardens Monitoring visit of Dr. Roger Wilkinson May 01-07, 2006 KF staff

Dr. Wilkinson’s visit to Rizal: wardens meeting and site visit May 01-02, 2006 Peter, Rommel Assessment of Panay project on nest protection May 01-16, 2006 Siegfred

Lecture on biodiversity conservation, puppet and mascot appearance and distribution of information materials (as welcome to R. Wilkinson)

May 02, 2006 Debbie, NYOFEC

Dr. Wilkinson’s visit to Dumaran: wardens meeting and site visit May 03-05, 2006 Indira, Peter, Mike Dr. Wilkinson’s visit to PPSRNP May 06, 2006 Peter Reef Monitoring and Evaluation Training May 07-08, 2006 DV, Rommel, Bojie

Assistance to UPLB MSES students re: EIA of KIEBC May 12-17, 2006 IW, DV, RC, BC Meeting with P. Widmann re: telemetry study May 12-17, 2006 SHD, Debbie, Bojie

Focus group discussion with EIA group re: biodiversity center and mainland volunteers´ activities

May 15, 2006 DV, RC, BC

Assistance/guiding EIA group to roosting site, Rasa Island May 16, 2006 DV, RC, BC

Discussion meetings with EIA group May 17-18, 2006 Peter, Indira, Debbie, Siegfred, Bojie

Ringing/banding of cockatoo hatchlings May 11, 18, 24, 26 30 ,31, 2006

Peter, Narra staff, E. Alfaro, wardens

Installation of transmitter to 1 cockatoo hatchling from nest 41 for telemetry study

May 18, 2006 Peter, , Debbie, Bojie, E. Alfaro, wardens

Mascot appearance and attendance to Baragatan Festival May 22, 2006 Bojie, Glesselle Wildlife Enforcement Officers Training May 23-25, 2006 Rommel

Meeting with N. Ibuna, CEPF May 25, 2006 Peter, Indira

Dismantling of old hut in Rasa owned by M. Batac May 25, 2006 Wardens

Meeting with J. Matillano, WPU May 29, 2006 Peter, Indira

Technical Progress Report writing May 2006 Peter, Indira

Caring of rescued cockatoos from Rasa Island Jan-May 2006 Monico, Bernito, Doy

Environmental lectures at KEEC and library care Jan-May 2006 Sunshine, Indira

Bookkeeping and official rounds to PCCP contacts Jan-May 2006 Glesselle, Indira Issuance of certificate of search at Rasa Island , Narra Jan-May 2006 Wardens

Dumaran nursery & experimental plot maintenance and care Jan-May 2006 Mike, wardens Monitoring and data gathering on wildlife and nesting trees at Rasa Island, Narra and Dumaran Island

Jan-May 2006 Siegfred, wardens, Mike, wardens

Monitoring and patrolling at Rasa Island and mainland coasts of Narra

Jan-May 2006 Volunteers, wardens

Monitoring and patrolling at Protected Areas, Dumaran Jan-May 2006 Mike, Wardens

Administrative and operational functions of the office Jan-May 2006 Indira, Peter, Debbie Wardens concerns: reports, assignments and payrolls Jan-May 2006 SHD, DV, ILW

Field operations and management Jan-May 2006 Peter, Indira


Jan–May 2006 p.48

ANNEXES

technical progress report 1-06 - katala foundation and articles/reports... · municipal government...

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