Phase II of Project Palaka seeks to take the captive care protocols developed in Phase I and use them to develop and maintain captive assurance colonies of threatened, endangered, and critically-endangered native amphibians. Additionally, Phase II will see the expansion of the project to include captive populations of endangered Philippine turtles (maintained at separate facilities apart from the amphibians). Priority species of anurans and chelonians have been identified, and project planning is underway. We will soon be publishing our list of priority species, so check back soon!
Phase II will also focus on outreach and education. Project Palaka staff intend to visit elementary, middle, and high schools within Laguna Province to educate students about Philippine biodiversity, ecosystems, conservation concerns and challenges, and of course, reptiles and amphibians. Whenever feasible, Project Palaka will also host twice-yearly field trips to high school students in Laguna, so they may see the captive breeding facilities first-hand.
Read the goals and objectives for Phase II here.