Two (2) wildlife species found separately in Camarines Norte were released back to their natural habitat by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) – Camarines Norte recently.
These species are a Philippine Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis) and a Paradise Flying Tree Snake (Chrysopelea paradasi).
According to PENRO Camarines Norte technical staff, a resident of Barangay Alawihao, Daet, Camarines Norte reported that a Philippine Hawk Eagle was shivering on a grass field and was immobile due to the heavy rains.
Meanwhile, a resident of Barangay Del Rosario, Mercedes, Camarines Norte voluntarily surrendered the juvenile, meter-long Paradise Flying Tree Snake found in their vicinity.
Personnel of the said office immediately responded to the reports and proceeded with the wildlife examination.
After assuring that both wildlife was in good condition, they were released immediately into the wild – their natural habitat.
Under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-09 titled, “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories”, the Philippine Hawk Eagle is considered endangered while the Paradise Flying Tree Snake falls under the category of Other Wildlife Species. Likewise, all wildlife in the Philippines are protected under Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act”.
The DENR V and PENRO CamNorte headed by OIC, PENR Officer Marlon C. Francia continuously calls on the public to report such incidents and turnover any wildlife to proper authorities for proper handling and release to its natural habitat. Continuous Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaigns are being conducted by the DENR, which have caused increasing numbers of public turn overs to the office.
