Tamaraw Flourishing

From the news:

"Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Conservationists have successfully worked on stopping the declining population of the unique dwarf water buffalo. Previously, the animal was considered an endangered species due to hunting and deforestation.
"The tamaraw, or Bubalus mindorensis had been threatened by big-game hunters, deforestation by settlers, loggers and ranchers that placed it on the world's endangered list by 1970.
"The government has taken steps to conserve the species through a captive breeding program and the development of a 25,000-hectare jungle reserve, in addition to increasing the residents' environmental awareness.
"The latest official population count of the animal is 263, 'although the figure could even exceed 300 if reported loose sightings in the northern side of the Iglit Baco National Park are taken in,' reports the Philippine government.
"'The tamaraws have definitely survived. In fact, with the continuous efforts of the government, concerned sectors and the Mindorenos [Mindoro residents], they may even begin to thrive,' it added.
"First discovered in 1888, the tamaraw is three feet tall and has a weight of 300 kilograms."