DENR rescues 22 wildlife species during the first semester of 2007
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Western Visayas has provided protection and facilitated the return of 22 various wildlife species to their natural habitat this first half of 2007.
Data provided by the Protected Areas, Wildlife, Coastal, Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) revealed that of the 22 species, seven are considered endangered, five are critically endangered and 10 vulnerable species.
PAWCZM Regional Technical Director Arlene Dalawis explained that vulnerable species are those that are under threat brought about by adverse factors and will be most likely to be elevated to endangered category in the future.
On the other hand, the endangered species are those groups that most likely will not survive if the causal factors are continuously present and the critically endangered are species or subspecies that has the danger of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.
The DENR- PAWCZMS classified the seven grass owls as endangered and five Philippine spotted deers as critically endangered.
Meantime, those that are classified as vulnerable included the two box turtles, five reticulated python, one monitor lizard, one Philippine monkey and a Philippine Hawk Eagle.
Those wildlife species were turned over to the DENR- PAWCZMS by several concerned individuals.
Dalawis also called on the community to do the same should they encountered such species so that they will be given proper rehabilitation and be properly released to their natural habitat.
(PNA)