Exploring Flora and Fauna with the Ateneo Wild
Ateneo de Manila University is committed to the sustainable management of their land and the conservation of urban biodiversity. The University understands the vital role they play in halting biodiversity loss, especially considering the lush green spaces on campus that they must protect. Staying true to their commitment, they offer various educational materials on natural ecosystems for the community.
The Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, in partnership with the Ateneo Wild, has produced several field guides for the native trees, exotic trees, resident birds, and migratory birds that are commonly found on campus. These are provided as complementary reference materials for in-campus programs such as nature walks and bird walks, which are open to visitors. Through these programs, they are able to educate the community on the urban green space within the campus and the wide variety of plants and animals it hosts. Because the field guides also feature commonly found urban species, it is also useful for other urban communities beyond the campus.
The Ateneo Wild, in partnership with the Forest Foundation Philippines and the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability also published The City Wild: Urban Biodiversity from A to Z. Each card features an organism, concept, or physical component of urban biodiversity, an illustration, a short description, and an activity that can help users learn more about the topic on the card. The digital flashcard set, illustrated by Inya de Vera, is available to download for free on the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability website.
Keen to attract audiences of all ages, the Ateneo Wild and the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability has also come up with the Ateneo Wild Coloring Books – a fun and fresh way for anyone to appreciate urban wildlife. Illustrated by Iya Regalario, there are four volumes available: Resident Birds, Native Trees, Wildflowers, and Butterflies and Moths. Each book contains 12 species, trivia and tips for spotting the featured flora and fauna, and a campus map for nature walks in Ateneo or other similar urban spaces. Additionally, the Ateneo Wild also released the Dawn Chorus, a flashcard set that helps the user learn how to recognize the calls of 27 different urban birds. With illustrations by Tracy Monsod and Ponci Soliongco, each card features the bird’s local name, common name, size, vocalization, and scientific name. This is also available to download for free by scanning the QR code.
These educational materials help promote the importance of spending time in green spaces, and spread awareness about the rich flora and fauna present in our urban ecosystems, which we must conserve and protect. With these programs, the University hopes to spark wonder and awe in Filipinos’ minds about the natural world surrounding them.