Would you like to help save the tamaraw? Just download and play this game

The Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is named after the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in world renown. This dwarf buffalo, estimated to number more than 10,000 a century ago, once grazed across Mindoro – until poaching, land conversion and a deadly outbreak of cattle-damaging rinderpest nearly wiped it out.

In 1969 there were believed to be fewer than 100 species, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to declare the tamaraw as a threatened with extinctiona precarious step beyond extinction.

Vigorous conservation efforts by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) through the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP) and the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) have so far prevented its demise.

“We estimate that there are 574 to 610 tamaraw remaining in Mindoro, of which approximately 433 live in MIBNP, where the largest population is concentrated,” the MIBNP park superintendent said Ellie Nunez. Together, MIBNP and TCP are working to drive out poachers while convincing residents to stop deforestation kaingin or the controlled burning of forests to make way for upland farms.

Tamaraw monthCelebrated every October, is the time when the majority of tamaraw conservation efforts are highlighted. “We celebrate Tamaraw Month every October, but we work hard 365 days a year to protect our tamaraw,” says TCP Coordinator Efren Delos Reyes. “This month is packed. We have everything from environmental programs, native tree planting drives, city parades, poster competitions and even a bike ride for the Tamaraw,” adds the TCP deputy coordinator Neil Anthony Del Mundo.

To preserve this rare buffalo for Tamaraw Month 2024, the United Nations Development Program Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP-BIOFIN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) are asking people to Download and play Animal Citya mobile game about animals and biodiversity conservation released in March 2024.

“We want to introduce a new generation of environmentalists to the iconic and endangered Pinoy wildlife,” explains UNDP-BIOFIN Philippines Country Manager Anabelle Plantilla. “With 30 million gamers in the Philippines, including myself, allowing gamers to donate to conservation can definitely help save endangered species like our tamaraw.”

BIOFIN is a global UNDP initiative in 41 countries funded by the European Commission and the governments of Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Flanders, the United Kingdom, Canada and France. It helps close the funding gap for the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity by identifying, unlocking, combining and sequencing biodiversity funding sources.

In the Philippines, BIOFIN is working with the DENR to close the funding gap for the implementation of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP), the country’s roadmap to conserve its biodiversity. Financing solutions identified include improving biodiversity spending reporting, supporting and strengthening policies, mainstreaming biodiversity in national and regional programs, increasing investment in protected areas and generating private revenue.

Animal Town’s donations will be managed by FFP, while DENR-BMB will identify conservation programs to fund. A portion of the funding will go toward tamaraw conservation initiatives such as ending illegal poaching for bushmeat, developing solutions to connect genetically isolated tamaraw subpopulations, and reducing human-wildlife conflict between tamaraw and indigenous communities.

“Tamaraw conservation is complicated and requires close, ongoing coordination between indigenous peoples who share the tamaraw’s home range, protected area managers, fundraisers, policymakers, scientists and law enforcement,” the D’ABOVILLE Foundation adds Emmanuel Schützwho has been working to protect the endangered buffalo for 12 years.

“The tamaraw is an emblem of Philippine wildlife, but many lesser-known plants and animals need the country’s attention,” adds the British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils. “Introducing wildlife management in a fun and casual way can help younger Filipinos understand and appreciate Philippine wildlife of all shapes and sizes.” The UK government is supporting BIOFIN in funding to advance the implementation of biodiversity financing plans, working with the financial sector and reallocate subsidies. One of the key areas of work for the Philippines focuses on implementing a biodiversity financing solution that focuses on subnational plans in protected areas while contributing to the development of Animal Town.

The app is free to download and has become increasingly popular since its launch. “We have nearly 20,000 users who have donated nearly PHP 20,000, with donations coming in monthly. We hope to generate more money as players have fun building their little animal towns,” adds the Animal Town App Developer Lord Gosingtian.

So to help save the tamaraw and increase your commitment to conservation, simply download the Animal Town app and make a small donation. By doing this, you will help Tamaraw Month continue to celebrate the successful conservation of Tamaraw for years to come.

Animal Town can be downloaded here Google Play Store for Android phones or the Apple App Store for iOS phones.