Do you have an instruction manual to your life?
The Visayan Spotted Deer has one now, thanks to the Philippine Genome Center Visayas and Siliman University Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CENTROP).
Researchers took DNA from ear tissue of a Visayan Spotted Deer, and are now analyzing it to determine how to best conserve the remaining Visayan Spotted Deers in captivity and in the wild. This is the first endangered endemic species to have its DNA sequenced and assembled in the Philippines, by Filipinos. Specifically Ilonggos!
Many answers to questions about YOU are also in your DNA! What diseases are you most at risk for? What “invisible powers” might make you… a better dancer, singer, or swimmer? With a draft genome of the Visayan Spotted Deer, conservationists can now find ways to help them survive in the wild. But they need more help. Study genomics and help improve the health of people and the planet!
References:
- MCF Javier et al, 2025 – Draft genome of the endangered visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi), a Philippine endemic species: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389309492_Draft_genome_of_the_endangered_visayan_spotted_deer_Rusa_alfredi_a_Philippine_endemic_species
- Aksyon Radyo Iloilo interview with Philippine Genome Center Visayas: https://www.facebook.com/PGCVisayas/posts/pfbid029yugbJ6ANfSoSjH42Nrm9kDa5EwRFcGPo75dP7kpSxogv9GKV8kZpG1hZnouSxDQl