For generations, the sugarcane fields of Negros have shaped the island’s economy and way of life. But as vast stretches of forest disappeared, so too did many of the island’s unique species.
A group of sugarcane farmers, alarmed by the rapid decline of Negros’ wildlife, decided they couldn’t just stand by and watch. In 2008, they came together to form the Talarak Foundation, a conservation initiative driven not only by concern but by a deep sense of responsibility.
“We are farmers, yes, but we are also caretakers of this land,” said Fernando Gutierrez, acting foundation president. “We grew up with these forests around us. The more we saw them vanish, the more we realized that saving what’s left isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s our duty.”
A Shared Mission Rooted in Responsibility
The foundation was started by a small group of farmers, including Paul Lizares, who originally spearheaded the initiative.
“Paul is based in the US now, but we’ve carried on what we started. Our families have farmed this land for generations. We knew that if we didn’t act, we would lose not just the animals but the balance of our environment,” Gutierrez explained.
Today, the foundation is composed of a tight-knit group of conservationists, most of whom come from farming families. “We keep the organization small to ensure quick decision-making. We aren’t a large NGO—we’re just people who care deeply about the land we work on,” the farmer-turned-conservationist said.
Saving the Big Five of Negros
Negros is home to five critically endangered species known as the “Big Five” – the Visayan warty pig, the most endangered wild pig in the world; the Negros bleeding-heart, a rare and elusive pigeon; the Visayan spotted deer, one of the most endangered deer species globally; the Visayan hornbill, a bird found only in Negros and Panay; and the rufous-headed hornbill (Talarak), the second rarest hornbill after the Sulu Hornbill.
The foundation’s members have invested their time and resources in protecting these animals. Among them is sugarcane farmer Juan Andres Corro, who has contributed both effort and financial support to advance the cause.
“We started with just a few rescued individuals, and now we have over 100 bleeding-heart pigeons, more than 70 spotted deer, and a growing population of warty pigs. These species are part of Negros’ identity. We can’t let them disappear,” Corro said.
Building Safe Havens
The Talarak Foundation operates several conservation sites across Negros, including breeding facilities in Bayawan City and the Negros Forest Park in Bacolod.
“In Bayawan, we fenced off an area and set up ranger patrols to prevent poaching. We’ve seen what happens when animals don’t have protection. If we don’t step in, they’re hunted for their meat or sold illegally,” Gutierrez explained.
To ensure the survival of released animals, the foundation uses tracking technology. “Many of our deer and pigs wear GPS collars,” he said. “It helps us monitor them and ensures they’re safe.”
International Support for Local Action
Though the foundation started as a local effort, it has since gained international recognition. Zoos and conservation groups from Singapore, the UK, and the US have provided funding and even helped establish breeding programs abroad.
“In 2021, Singapore requested breeding pairs of Negros Bleeding-Heart pigeons,” Gutierrez recalled. “We sent three pairs, and within two years, they had over 20. They sent 10 back to us, which is now part of our reintroduction program.”
The foundation has also worked with European conservationists to ensure the survival of Visayan spotted deer, warty pigs, and hornbills overseas.
“It’s our way of creating a safety net. If something happens to Negros, at least these species will still exist elsewhere,” Gutierrez said.
Fighting for the Future of Negros’ Wildlife
Funding remains one of the biggest challenges for the foundation.
“It’s difficult to secure grants,” Gutierrez admitted. “We operate on about 11 million pesos annually, with support from the provincial government. But much of what we do comes from our own pockets.”
Despite the financial strain, the farmers-turned-conservationists remain committed to their mission.
The Talarak Foundation is proof of what can be achieved when ordinary people take extraordinary action.
With their hands firmly planted in the soil and their hearts dedicated to conservation, sugarcane farmers led by Gutierrez continue to fight for Negros’ wildlife, ensuring that future generations will still have forests to walk in and animals to marvel at.
