Species of collared-dove in cage for trade.

Wildlife conservation needs urgent action to circumvent current species declines. Biodiversity globally, is under pressures from both natural and anthropogenic threats and disturbances. As human population continues to expand, increased encroachment on natural landscapes and wildlife habitats is expected on the line. People residing near forest and important areas for conservation are essential for successful conservation as they are the primary beneficiaries of the ecosystem services. However, they are often associated with the destruction of natural resources to help satisfy their needs for survival. Wildlife hunting and trade are considered two serious threats to biodiversity worldwide (Aiyadurai et al., 2010) and these activities contribute largely to the decline of many wildlife species (Rao et al., 2005); local and indigenous communities may play important roles in conserving the remaining natural resources. In many key conservation areas, wildlife hunting, poaching, and trade are the pressures that threatens the population of many endemic and native species. Wildlife hunting and trade are considered two serious threats to biodiversity worldwide and these activities contribute largely to the decline of many wildlife species; local and indigenous communities may play important roles in conserving the remaining natural resources.

Since reports and information on hunting and trade in two identified protected areas were scarce and without concrete and comprehensive documents, this project will provide baseline information on the hunting and trade profile between two key conservation sites on Mindanao Island:

1) Mt. Apo National Park and

2) Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape.

The involvement of communities in hunting and trade, and their practices and values to biodiversity conservation, will be assessed in a 10-month community survey that engages the community. Conservation education programs will be conducted to enhance community understanding of the importance of wildlife. Moreover, this project will serve as a foundation in establishing conservation strategies for long-term and sustainable conservation management of biodiversity in protected areas.