Cotabato, Philippines — Two Philippine Long-tailed Macaques and two Asian Palm Civets were successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and released back into their natural habitats by local environmental authorities in Cotabato in recent days. The efforts underscore the continued dedication of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 and local agencies in conserving native wildlife species.
Courtesy of CENRO’s of Midsayap and Matalam in North Cotabato.
On November 5, 2024, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Matalam released two Philippine Long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis philippensis) back into the wild. Initially, the Barangay Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kisante in Makilala, Cotabato, had transferred the monkeys to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Makilala, where they were then placed under the care of CENRO Matalam’s Enforcement team. Following a detailed health evaluation, which confirmed the macaques’ readiness to thrive in the wild, the team conducted their release into a natural habitat.
The Philippine Long-tailed Macaque is currently classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The DENR Region 12 urged communities to support wildlife conservation by reporting sightings and avoiding harm to native species, as such involvement is vital in preventing further decline of vulnerable animals.
In a similar conservation effort, CENRO Midsayap released two Asian Palm Civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) or Musangs on November 8, 2024, in Barangay Pisan, Kabacan, Cotabato. Prior to their release, veterinarians from the Kabacan Veterinarian Office confirmed the civets’ good health following a thorough examination and completion of necessary treatment. Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, the Asian Palm Civet faces threats from hunting and trapping despite a stable population.
For any wildlife concerns, the public is encouraged to report directly to the nearest DENR or MENRO office.
