KIDAPAWAN CITY (September 17) — Two Cotabato residents who rescued wildlife instead of keeping the animals at home have turned over 12 animals to environmental authorities, allowing some to be treated and returned to their natural habitat.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Wednesday the Sept. 10 turnover to its provincial office underscored the role of communities in protecting wildlife.
The animals included two Philippine Palm Civets, two Philippine Ducks, four White-Eared Brown Doves, three Spotted Doves and a juvenile White-Breasted Waterhen.
All 12 were brought to the Kidapawan City Veterinary Office for medical examination and were certified fit for release, the DENR said.
The four White-Eared Brown Doves, three Spotted Doves and the juvenile White-Breasted Waterhen have since been released into their natural habitat. The two Philippine Ducks and two Philippine Palm Civets were placed at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office’s temporary wildlife rescue center for observation before release.
From rescue to proper care
The animals came from separate encounters with wildlife. One Philippine Palm Civet was rescued from a rubber farm by resident Joel Gastones, while another was turned over after being cared for by Isagani Bagyo.
The residents later coordinated with environmental authorities rather than keeping the animals in private captivity.
The DENR said the cases illustrate why rescuing an animal and keeping it are not the same thing. Wildlife may need veterinary examination, temporary care and monitoring before authorities can determine whether it is safe to return the animal to the wild.
Under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the collection, possession, transport and keeping of wildlife are regulated.
The DENR urged people who encounter or rescue wild animals to report them promptly to the nearest DENR office or wildlife authority, so the animals can be assessed, treated when necessary and properly returned to their natural habitat.
