Protected wild birds rescued from illegal captivity in Sorsogon

Sorsogon map. INQUIRER FILES LEGAZPI CITY — Authorities rescued 17 protected wildlife, including two Philippine long-tailed macaques and 15 native birds, from a private residence in Sorsogon City where they had been illegally kept in captivity. The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Sorsogon conducted the rescue operation on Wednesday (July 22) in Sitio Madan-an, Barangay Bibincahan, after receiving a report from the Sorsogon City Veterinary Office about a captive primate. During the inspection, the PENRO Wildlife Enforcement Team found two Philippine long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis philippensis), 12 white-eared brown doves (Phapitreron leucotis), two Philippine hanging parrots (Loriculus philippensis), and one black-chinned fruit dove (Ramphiculus leclancheri) being kept without the required permits. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Conservationists seek deeper probe of PH eagle shooting READ: Agusan Marsh joins global migratory bird network Joan Mariscotes, chief of the DENR Bicol Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group, told the Inquirer in a text message that the birds were found in the custody of a female resident of Barangay Bibincahan, who said her husband had kept the animals for more than a year. “Some of the animals were purchased, while others were captured using traps,” Mariscotes said. After PENRO personnel explained the provisions of the country’s wildlife protection laws, the resident voluntarily surrendered all 17 animals to authorities. Article continues after this advertisement The 15 rescued birds were transported to the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park in Barangay San Roque, Bulusan town, where they were released into their natural habitat. The two Philippine long-tailed macaques—a male and a female—were brought to the Albay Park and Wildlife Rescue Center in Legazpi City for medical assessment and rehabilitation under the care of wildlife handler Fidel M. Mateum. Article continues after this advertisement Mariscotes said the Philippine hanging parrot is classified as critically endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, while the Philippine long-tailed macaque, white-eared brown dove, and black-chinned fruit dove are classified as “other wildlife species,” which are native to the area but have legal protection status. /mcm Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.