CENRO Sta. Cruz through its personnel from Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL) Laguna Side, together with the Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) led by Dr. Glenn S. Maguad, released a total of  64 endemic/indigenous wild faunae composed of 34 Asian box turtles (Cuora amboinensis), 10 Brahminy kites (Haliastur indus), 10 Philippine serpent eagles (Spilornis holospilus, and 10 Reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatos) back to the wild. 

The Asian box turtles were freed inside the vicinity of Taytay Falls in Brgy. Taytay, Majayjay while the Brahminy kites, Philippine serpent eagles, and Reticulated pythons were released in Lapreza, Brgy. Malaya and the Landing Point of Brgy. San Francisco in the municipality of Nagcarlan, Laguna, respectively. 

The turned-over wildlife were kept under observation during rehabilitation and were closely examined by a licensed veterinarian for issuance of health certificates, with approval to release the heads back to their natural habitat. 

The activity was under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) Nos. 97-17 and 22-10 establishing a Disposition Program for Confiscated and Donated Wildlife in the Custody of DENR Wildlife Rescue Centers. The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) endorsed the release of fauna through Resolution No. 008-2021 indicating MBSCPL is a suitable environment for the rescued creatures. Additionally, the team also coordinated with the concerned Local Government Units regarding the dispatch of wildlife under Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) Section 24, as part of the conservation, breeding, or propagation of threatened species. 

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 31 December 2023