The Philippines exhibit one of the highest levels of biodiversity and endemism in the world, and as such is considered a ‘biodiversity hotspot’. However, like many developing countries, Philippine habitats suffer from ineffective enforcement of environmental laws, high levels of habitat loss and degradation, overexploitation, and very low levels of public awareness.

While many organisations, such as zoos, rescue and breeding centres are committed to playing an important role in the conservation of the country’s flora and fauna, they suffer from poor financial conditions and technical knowledge, as well as a lack of proper management.

Zoos SA, through Fauna and Flora International – Philippines strongly supports the in situ and ex situ efforts of these organisations, particularly in the West Visayas.

Through contacts with FFI – Philippines, Zoos Victoria and Zoos South Australia were able to collaborate with the Zookeepers Association of the Philippines and have been integral in the establishment and promotion of zookeeper workshops in the country, a forum whereby husbandry techniques, nutrition, pest control and waste management, enclosure design and behavioural enrichment are discussed with zookeepers, curators, veterinarians and biologists. These workshops have been hugely successful, with the third zookeeper workshop being described by one curator as “probably the best workshop I ever attended” and have greatly improved the conditions and welfare of our animals at some institutions.

Zoos SA supported the construction of the first Philippine sailfin dragon Hydrosaurus pustulatus enclosure at the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation, Inc – Biodiversity Conservation Center (NFEFI-BCC).  A breeding programme for the species of Negros origin has been initiated with Zoos SA as one of the first supporters.  We have now bred several sailfins and released progenies into the wild.

In 2007, Zoos SA sponsored Dr Emilia Lastica (Threatened Species Breeding Programmes Coordinator for FFI – Philippines), to travel to Australia in order to strengthen these relationships, but also to further investigate reintroduction methodologies through the expertise held by Zoos SA. There are plans for an organised and structured reintroduction of the Philippine spotted deer in the near future.

Furthermore, the Adelaide Zoo shop sells merchandise from the Philippines, with profits being returned to the original Philippine communities, and the animal departments have donated equipment and costs towards staff training. Philippine species within Adelaide Zoo include the Philippine sailfin lizard Hydrosaurus pustulatus (found at the exit to the Nocturnal House) and the Luzon bleeding heart pigeon Gallicolumba luzonica (found in the aviary opposite the Nocturnal House).