Isla Biodiversity Conservation, Inc.
Calayan Rail Project
The Calayan Rail Gallirallus calayanensis is a bird species endemic to the tiny island of Calayan in the Babuyan group of islands in northern Philippines, where it is referred to as Piding (PEE-ding) by locals. Recently discovered in 2004, this almost flightless bird is currently listed as "Vulnerable" under the 2006 IUCN Red List. Threats to the species include hunting, habitat loss as well as introduced predators.
The Calayan Rail Project was conceived to ensure a future for the Piding. During Phase I of the project, preliminary surveys of the abundance and distribution of the species were carried out. In addition, a long-term program for the conservation of this island-endemic species and the unique biodiversity of Calayan Island was initiated through educational activities and stakeholder consultations. Phase I, which started in April 2005 and completed in October 2006, was supported by the BP Conservation Programme, the Haribon Threatened Species Program, the NorthFace and IdeaWild.
Phase II of the Calayan Rail Project involves strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders in conserving the Piding and the island’s unique biodiversity. Activities in this phase of the project include a pride campaign, teacher-training activity, law enforcement training, reforestation training, rail monitoring training and participatory resource mapping to help establish a local wildlife sanctuary.
Updates
Jul 07 ISLA launches Shirt Sale '07Jul 07 Calayan youth to go after hunters
Jul 07 Six-foot high Calayan Rail sighted
Jun 07 Rail Project Team member flies "around the world"
May 07 Small Island Reforestation training postponed
May 07 CEC drafts Mission-Vision, 1-year plan
May 07 Farmers want forest around Longog protected
May 07 Locals learn to survey Calayan Rails
Apr 07 Preparations under way for Small Island Reforestation training
Mar 07 Calayan Environmental Council launched
Mar 07 Teacher Training held in Camiguin Island
Feb 07 Calayan Rail Project receives Follow-up Award from BPCP
Jan 07 Calayan youth participate in environmental education seminar
Sep 06 Environmental education seminars and conservation action plan validation held in 7 barangays
Sep 06 Calayan exhibit visits Cagayan State University and 2nd Philippine Bird Festival
Sep 06 Youth group and high school club help Calayan Rail information campaign
Aug 06 Calayan Rail Project participates in Calayan fiesta
Aug 06 Wildlife sanctuary proposed at the Calayan Sangguniang Bayan
May 06 Calayan develops a conservation action plan
May 06 Teachers receive environmental education training
May 06 CEAE films Calayan Rail documentary
Feb 06 “Calayan Rail” now blazing the seas
Feb 06 Survey team finds rails in 1 out of every 5 census stations in island-wide survey
Dec 05 Rail survey, obstructed by bad weather, finds rails in 13% of census stations
Oct 05 Calayan stakeholders participate in education and communication planning workshop
Oct 05 Rails found in 1 out of every 4 census stations around Longog
May 05 Island-wide survey finds rails in 3% of census stations
View our Reports and Publications page.
Team members and volunteers
Calayan Rail Project II. Carl Oliveros (Team Leader), Elson Aca, Karina Javier, Cynthia Layusa, Harvey John Garcia, Miguel Ferido, Michael Angelo Morales, Domingo Sibbaluca Jr., Roel Payas, Teresita Maglinte, Teresa Salado, Niño Policarpio Sanchez, Raul Jennifer Castillejos, Angela Quiros, Lorna Pelovello. Juan Carlos Gonzalez and Arne Jensen (Advisors).
Calayan Rail Project I. Carmela Española (Team Leader), Carl Oliveros, Amado Bajarias Jr, Harvey John Garcia, Mark Jason Villa, Gabriel Timoteo, Raul Jennifer Castillejos, Ariel Trinidad, Rhodella Ibabao, Baby Jhane Clemeno, Karina Javier, Holy Rumusud, Michael Angelo Morales, Roel Payas, Miguel Suarez, Neil Nuñez, Gedielyn Paje, Cynthia Layusa, Junnabel de Castro, Cel Tungol, Miguel Ferido, TinaAlejandro, Abegail Machica, Icee Bicomong, Margarette Teodosio, Tracy Carpena, Christine Telesforo, Loisan Sangab, Eunice Acosta, Juan Pablo Española, Facundo Rey Ladiao, Runel Balacua, Virgie Bumagat, Albert Guimayen, Eric Nuñez, Roel Payas, Jameson Reynon, and Rocky Reynon.
Contact us: carl@isla.org.ph.