Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Five wildlife animals, including two Asian palm civets, two Philippine serpent eagles and a Brahminy kite, were voluntarily turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) by a resident of Barangay Maronquillo, San Rafael, Bulacan for proper care and rehabilitation.
Dennis Vergara, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Baliwag City, identified the animals as two Asian palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), two Philippine serpent eagles (Spilornis holospilus) and one Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus).
Vergara said the resident coordinated with the DENR to surrender the animals, allowing wildlife authorities to assess their condition and determine the appropriate interventions.
“Our wildlife enforcement officer conducted an initial physical assessment upon receipt of the animals to determine their condition and immediate needs,” Vergara said.
Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
Following the initial assessment, the animals were transported to the Biodiversity Management Bureau Wildlife Rescue Center for further evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation.
The wildlife will remain under the care of wildlife specialists while their condition is monitored and assessed for possible release into suitable natural habitats.
The DENR said the Asian palm civet, Philippine serpent eagle and Brahminy kite are classified as Least Concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and are not included among the threatened wildlife species listed under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09.
Despite their classification, the species remain protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and its implementing rules and regulations.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the resident for voluntarily surrendering the wildlife and encouraged the public to coordinate with the DENR when encountering animals that may require rescue, assessment or proper turnover.
“The cooperation of communities is vital in preventing the illegal collection and possession of wildlife and in supporting government efforts to conserve the country’s biodiversity,” Pablo said.
The DENR reminded the public that wildlife cannot be collected, hunted, possessed, transported or traded without the necessary permits and appropriate legal authority under existing laws and regulations.
The agency also urged citizens to report suspected illegal wildlife activities and coordinate with the nearest DENR office when encountering wildlife that may require rescue or proper turnover.