Critically endangered tamaraw graze in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park in Mindoro. Endemic to Mindoro, these elusive wild buffalo feed mainly on grasses, young bamboo shoots and wild sugarcane in remote forest clearings and mountainous habitats. (Photos courtesy of DENR-Mimaropa)
MANILA, Philippines — The population of critically endangered tamaraws monitored in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP) increased by 12 percent this year, with 425 animals recorded during the 2026 Annual Tamaraw Population Count.
The count, conducted from April 15 to 20 by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Mimaropa through the Tamaraw Conservation Program Office (TCPO), was higher than the 380 tamaraws recorded in 2025 using the same standardized monitoring method.
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Tamaraw count up
