2008 Expedition Goals In 2008, Dr. Heaney’s team will conduct the first biological survey of the mammals of Mt. Pulag National Park, which covers about 115km2, and is the site of the island's highest peak—9,725 feet (2,930 m). The team’s previous surveys on Luzon obtained information on the fauna up to about 8,530 feet (2,600 m) in elevation. About 1,312 feet (400 m) of habitat remain unsampled—habitat that is quite distinctive for its elfin cloud forests and subalpine bamboo grassland. Although one never knows for certain in advance, Dr. Heaney hopes to discover previously unknown species of small mammals there. And at the very least, the team will certainly add to their still meager knowledge of many other species that live only in the Cordillera. The Philippine Mammal Project team members will also see first-hand the extent of commercial vegetable farming that is taking place within the park. These agricultural plots are a growing problem because the park is accessible by road; and implementation of the laws regarding national parks often has not been sufficient; and conflicting claims are made by indigenous people. If all goes well, the team will be able to train park staff in how to monitor wildlife, develop a set of information about natural history that will help to promote eco-tourism within the park, and provide a set of specific recommendations about how to reduce the damage done by vegetable farming. Continue to Special Thanks.