Roadtrip buddy: How to see a tamarraw in Occidental Mindoro

How to see a tamarraw in Occidental Mindoro
Article by: Keen Emmanuel Robante

The Tamaraw a.k.a Bubalus mindorensis a.k.a Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo is a territorial animal with a V-shaped horn that is only found in the island of Mindoro Philippines. It is an endangered species. As of the 2009, there are only 274 noted in the whole world.

Finding a tamarraw in Oriental Mindoro is very hard but not impossible.

The unique mammal can be seen in the Tamarraw Gene Pool in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.  Two of them, ‘Kali’ and his mother ‘Mimi’ lives under the protection and care of the Tamarraw Conservation Program (TCP). The others are living in the Mt. Iglit area under a vicinity protection program of the organization and surrounding villages.

The Tamarraw Conservation Program (TCP) was created to implement measures to protect and conserve the tamarraw and its habitats on 1979. It operates under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Philippines.

Mr. Allen Galanto and Victor Espilita are taking care of Kali and Mimi onsite since 1982. They live within the 7.5 hectare TCP area. There is no electricity in the Tamarraw Gene Pool and food is limited. Donations such as food and gears like binoculars for viewing, umbrella, mosquito net and old rubber shoes will be appreciated by Mang Vic and Al.

The TCP office (09:00AM-04:00PM) is located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It is near the beach. You can ask the tricycle drivers to take you to the popular place for 8 Php from any city point. You can also call their office number at (043).491.1236 for more information and reservation. Ask for TCP field coordinators Rodel Builles or  Mr. Danillo Roca (+63918.338.6135). They are very friendly and would be glad to reserve a date for your visit. The Tamarraw Jeep is available for use in most cases.

In an unfortunate event that the TCP Jeep is unstable for use, you can contact Diosdedit “Alvin” Valiente (+6393.0492.1492), a local Fireman, for a fully air-conditioned all terrain VAN at 2000 Php all inclusive.

It has a capacity of 11 passengers. This is highly recommend since you will be going off road, rocky mountain paths, hills and rivers.