DENR-CENRO Calaca Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs), together with Forest Protection Officers, extended assistance to the rescue, turn-over, and release of wildlife within the municipalities of San Nicolas, Lian, San Luis and Taal, Batangas.

Two Philippine long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis philippinensis) were rescued in Brgys. Poblacion and Sinturisan, San Nicolas, Batangas on September 28, 2023. The said wildlife were accidentally spotted roaming around the communities, captured, and subsequently voluntarily turned-over to CENRO Calaca office. Likewise, on the same day, one Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus), 2.3 meters in length, was rescued in Brgy. Cawit, Taal, Batangas. Upon checking and assessment of the physical condition of the said wildlife, the same appeared active, strong, healthy, and with no injury. The rescued wildlife were released back in the forested areas adjacent to Mts. Palay-Palay Mataas-Na-Gulod Protected Landscape, Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas.

One female Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) with Curved Carapace Length of 33 cm and Curved Carapace Width of 30 cm reportedly strangled and trapped along the shoreline of Brgy. Lumaniag, Lian, Batangas, was rescued on October 2, 2023. The wildlife was found to be healthy and with no injury, hence, the Critically Endangered turtle species was released back to the ocean by the WEOs with the assistance of the MENRO of Lian, Batangas.

Moreover, one Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) was turned over to the CENR Office by PNP Maritime Group based at the PPA Area in Brgy. Sta. Clara, Batangas City on October 3, 2023. The surveillance being conducted by the elements of PNP Maritime Group in the said city resulted in the confiscation of the wildlife. Appropriate charges are already being filed by the PNP Maritime against the offender considering the conservation status of the bird indicated in the certification issued by CENRO Calaca. The said wildlife was brought to DENR Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) located in Brgy. Lamot II, Calauan, Laguna for temporary custody.

Also, a report from a concerned citizen regarding sightings of Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis) in Sitio Sukol, Brgy. Tulo, Taal Batangas, was acted by CENRO Calaca WEOs on October 4, 2023. Upon verification and assessment conducted by WEOs, it was observed that the area is dominantly covered with grasses/bushes, hence, is most likely habitable to wildlife such as snakes. However, no wildlife was observed during the visit. Barangay LGU was advised to conduct a weeding and clean-up drive in order for the snakes to leave the area and refrain from harming the residents, commuters, and passersby.

Lastly, a Chinese Soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) was retrieved in Brgy. Dulangan, San Luis, Batangas. The turtle was spotted along the barangay road by a concerned citizen and was immediately reported to the nearest DENR office. The turtle was consequently brought to the DENR IV-A RWRC for appropriate action considering that the same is an invasive alien species.

CENRO Calaca strengthens its coordination with the barangay LGU, private groups, stakeholders, and law enforcement agencies in relation to the implementation of the Republic Act No. 9147 also known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001”. The said office continually conducts Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns to encourage the public to be involved in the protection and conservation of wildlife.###

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 28 October 2023