Zamboanga Peninsula — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) continues to strengthen its conservation efforts with the successful release of six rehabilitated wildlife species back into their natural habitats in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.
In a collaborative effort, DENR Regional Office IX partnered with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Zamboanga del Norte, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Manukan, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sindangan to release five wildlife species at the Tinaplan Indigenous Tree Nursery and Forest Products Monitoring Substation in Barangay Tinaplan, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
The released animals included three Colasisi (Loriculus philippensis), a small, colorful parrot endemic to the Philippines; one Red-tailed Green Ratsnake (Gonyosoma oxycephalum), a non-venomous snake that plays an important role in the ecosystem; and one Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), a medium-sized raptor known for its vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
All five animals were rehabilitated at the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) in Baklay, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur. Following medical care and continuous monitoring, they were deemed healthy and fit for return to the wild—an affirmation of DENR’s science-based approach to wildlife management.
In a related development, an Asian Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus cumingi), locally known as Bayawak, was turned over to PENRO Zamboanga del Sur on May 2 by Pat Alexander Y. Gello of the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station. The lizard was discovered during a routine patrol in Sitio Anonang, Dumalinao. It was immediately brought to the DENR office, where trained wildlife enforcement personnel confirmed it was in excellent health. The Bayawak was subsequently released into a suitable natural habitat.
These activities underscore DENR’s unwavering commitment to the protection, rehabilitation, and conservation of native wildlife species under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. They also highlight the vital role of inter-agency cooperation and community involvement in protecting the region’s biodiversity and ecological integrity.
DENR expressed gratitude to its partners, especially law enforcement units, for their ongoing support in safeguarding the country’s rich natural heritage.