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Philippines
Just like the island of Madagascar, the archipelago of the Philippine islands is one of the regions on earth with the greatest variety of species. However, the Philippines are on the top of the list of countries that especially need to protect their environment, as there is a great biodiversity that consists of a multitude of endemic species only existing in this part of the world.
The major commitment of Landau Zoo, in collaboration with Philippine conservation centers, is to protect the endangered Philippine spotted deer (Cervus alfredi). Landau Zoo is keeping record of the international studbook of this species.
At the beginning of the 1980s it seemed that these deer had been exterminated. Only on two Visayan Islands a population of about 100 to 200 remaining animals was found. The Philippine spotted deer are only about the size of Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus); however, as the biggest land animals of their home islands they are ambassadors for the importants of the conservation of the local ecosystem forest and of all animals and plants that live in it. The destruction of the forests has become serious and has already resulted in a decrease of quality of life, even for the human population. There is not enough drinking water and yield is decreasing because of erosion. Therefore, the protection of the Philippine spotted deer is an important step to also guarantee the basis of life for the local population.
This projects is further supported by Flora and Fauna International, FFI, several zoos worldwide, the Freinds of Zoo Landau and the German and French conservation NGO "Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations, ZGAP & CEPA". It is recognized as an official project of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, WAZA.
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