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Survey calls for protection of Totot
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Posted on Aug 11 2000
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Rota, recently concluded a post project questionnaire survey on the year long Totot Conservation Education campaign. During the past year, the Totot has been the focus of an intensive conservation education awareness campaign.
The results of the survey show that 93 percent of the people interviewed know that the Mariana fruit dove, Totot, is the official Commonwealth bird as compared to only 38 percent at the beginning of the campaign.
More than 90 percent agreed that the Mariana fruit dove is found only in the CNMI. It is now extinct in Guam. Rota has the only remaining healthy population in the world.
Over 77 percent know that it is illegal to kill, trap or harass the Totot. A law recently passed by the CNMI Legislature now protects this symbol of island pride. There are stiff penalties for killing, trapping or harassing the Totot – up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail.
While 69 percent believe that conservation laws are not fully respected, many agree that more conservation education programs and stringent measures must be implemented.
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Rota, through the office of Rota Mayor Benjamin Manglona, in collaboration with Rare Center for tropical conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, service are committed to continue conducting conservation awareness programs highlighting the islands’ rich natural resources and biodiversity.
