Taytay, Rizal– The Rizal Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office hosted a wildlife conservation photo exhibit featuring the works of Mhark Ban Gatela, a wildlife photographer. This year's theme for the celebration of World Wildlife Day is, "Recovering Key species for ecosystem restoration".

A total of 138 spectators had the chance to witness the beauty of wildlife captured by Mr. Gatela. His works and experiences in the wild, which includes discovering endemic species and documenting its nests, are very significant in conserving our resources, particularly in Pamitinan Protected Landscape (PPL).

The PPL was proclaimed as a protected area through Presidential Proclamation No. 901 dated 10 December 1996. It is located at Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal and covers a total area of 609.15 hectares. Various species of flora and fauna can be found in the PA, as well as different geological rock formations of varying sizes and shapes.

The photo of the Philippine Pita (Erythropitta erythrogaster) is one of the top-picked favorites. This species is currently classified as Least Concern. Its population is suspected to decline due to the ongoing destruction of lowland evergreen forest (del Hoyo et al. 2003).

World Wildlife Day is celebrated every 3rd day of March. To celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.

This year, World Wildlife Day has emphasized the imperative need to reverse the fate of the most critically endangered species, to support the restoration of their habitats and ecosystems, and to promote their sustainable use by humanity.