PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC), released Friday six wildlife species back to their natural habitat.
Released at the foot of Mount Pinukis in Barangay Lison Valley, this city, were three reticulated pythons (Python reticulatus), a Philippine Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis), a Brahminy Kite (Halistur indus), and a Yellow-headed Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus cumingi).
Ben Acana, head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), told the Philippine News Agency that the six wildlife have undergone care and rehabilitation at their rescue center in Barangay Baklay in nearby Tukuran town.
Acana said some were rescued by wildlife officers while the rest were surrendered by concerned individuals.
“They have been released back to their natural home after they were monitored to be in good condition,” Acana said, adding they decided to release them Mount Pinukis since the area is being eyed to be declared as a wildlife sanctuary.
“It (Mount Pinukis) will be declared soon (as wildlife sanctuary) after we complete our studies,” he added.
The release of the wildlife species coincided with the celebration of the 56th Araw ng Lison Valley and was witnessed by first district Rep. Divina Grace Yu, Councilor Glavys Gavenia, and barangay officials. (PNA)
