THE SILLIMAN University received a P9.2-million research grant from the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development.

The grant will support SU’s Biology Department’s efforts to conserve the endangered Philippine Spotted Deer.

The project titled “Improving Conservation of Philippine Spotted Deer through Molecular Methods” aims to safeguard the genetic variety and boost the population of this endangered deer species both in captivity and their natural habitat.

“The SU Center for Tropical Conservation Studies currently has 77 individuals of the Philippine Spotted Deer in its facilities in Barangay Daro, Dumaguete City and Barangay Palinpinon, Valencia,” it said.

“In 1990, CENTROP became the country’s first captive breeding center for the Philippine Spotted Deer. Also known as the Visayan Spotted Deer, the Philippine Spotted Deer is an endangered species based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1, which classifies species at high risk of global extinction. The said species is also endemic to Panay and Negros islands,” it added.

The project will be conducted for three years under the leadership of SU Biology Department research coordinator Dr. Robert S. Guino-o with the guidance of DOST Balik Scientist and SU faculty member Dr. Aye Mee Bartocillo.

The team is comprised of Dr. Nadia P. Abesamis, former head of the Biology Department, and Assistant Professor Persie Mark Q. Sienes, Chair of the Biology Department Extension Committee.

Other collaborating agencies in the project include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Talarak Foundation, Inc.; West Visayas State University-College of Agriculture and Forestry; and Mari-it Conservation Park.