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Where we work
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Map of the Philippines
indicating sites of the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program
with comprehensive nest protection scheme: 1. Culasian
Managed Resource Protected Area, Rizal, Palawan
2. Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Narra, Palawan
3. Omoi and Manambaling Cockatoo Reserves, Dumaran, Palawan
4. Patnanungan Island, Polillo group of islands, Quezon.
5. Pandanan, Balabac
Read more information about our project sites
Visit our pilot site: Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary (RIWS)
Certainly, the most convenient way to see the Philippine
cockatoo in the wild is to visit Rasa Island!
Rasa is a small coral island of 8.34 km2 area situated in the
Sulu Sea, just off the shore of the Municipality of Narra,
Palawan, Philippines. About 1.75 km2 are covered with coastal
forest, mangrove (5.60 km2), cultivated areas (predominantly
coconut; 0.39 km2), 0.60 km2 are barren or sparsely vegetated
sand and coral outcrops |
 The island is the pilot site of the program since 1998. Key
component of this project site is the wardening scheme which
involves patrolling and protection of the birds during and outside
the breeding season. This scheme has proven to be very efficient. It
has increased the population of cockatoos nearly tenfold on the
island over ten years (presently ca. 200 birds)!
Rasa Island probably holds the highest population density of
Philippine cockatoo that remains in the wild!
The world population of Philippine cockatoo was estimated to
range between 1,000 to 4,000 individuals (Lambert, 1994). More
recent estimates put the number of cockatoos remaining in the wild
between 870 and 2,300 (Widmann, 2001). About 70 to 75% of this
population is probably found in Palawan (Boussekey, 2000). This
makes Rasa a high priority area for the protection of this species.
 More so, not only Philippine cockatoos live on the island, but a
variety of other species, with an unusual high percentage of
globally threatened and near-threatened taxa (IUCN 2008),
considering the small size of Rasa. Noteworthy among the 104
recorded bird species are Grey imperial pigeon Ducula pickeringii
and Mantanani scops owl Otus mantananensis. Marine life around Rasa
is also diverse with at least three marine turtle species and Dugong
Dugong dugon recorded.
Pride of Rasa Island!
Rasa Island was declared Wildlife Sanctuary through Philippine
Presidential Proclamation 1000 in 2006. Because of its features, the
Municipality of Narra is now called the “Philippine Cockatoo Capital
of the World”. Recently, it was named as one of the 13 top
birdwatching sites in the Philippines by the Philippine Department
of Tourism (PDOT) and was promoted during the 2009 World Travel
Market in London. It is included in the PDOT’s published guidebook
“Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1”.
Visit Rasa Island! Help fund its conservation efforts while
enjoying and learning!
In Rasa Island, conservation is our priority. Unlike other
commercially-owned tourist destinations, we promote ecological and
sustainable tourism on Rasa, thus, eco-rules are strictly observed.
Furthermore, it is protected by several local and national laws. All
these will be explained by a guide before landing the island.
Rasa Island is perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers and
wildlife enthusiasts! Discover and enjoy our wildlife with care! It
means great trips and satisfaction!
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Interested?
Be high on wild cockatoos at RASA ISLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (RIWS)!
Please
download our flyer for further information about conservation
fees, guidelines and other considerations about visiting Rasa Island
or please contact:
Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary – Protected Area Management Board
(PAMB)
c/o Katala Foundation, Inc.
P.O.Box 390
Puerto Princesa City 5300
Palawan, Philippines
Telefax: +63 48 434 7693
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