Cavite: A Philippine pangolin found wandering around a house in Mendez, Cavite, will be brought to Palawan for rehabilitation and possible return to the wild, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said. In a news release Friday, the DENR-Calabarzon stated that a resident discovered the pangolin roaming inside his house in Barangay Galicia 3 on Wednesday and immediately sought help from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Mendez.
According to Philippines News Agency, on Thursday, the pangolin was endorsed for turnover to the DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cavite and subsequently transferred to the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) for assessment. The DENR explained that upon assessment by the BMB, the pangolin was found to require a specialized diet consisting of natural food items such as termites and ants. Its behavior, while under temporary human care, also indicated that it had not been domesticated or kept in captivity.
The BMB Wildlife Resources Conservation Division then coordinated with Cebu Pacific Air to transport the pangolin to Palawan, where it is expected to undergo further care and rehabilitation. The DENR stated that the pangolin would be returned to its natural habitat following assessment and disposition by wildlife authorities.
The Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) is endemic to Palawan and is classified as Endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, or the 'Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories.' The animal's transfer to Palawan followed coordination among the Mendez MENRO, PENRO Cavite, DENR-Calabarzon, and the BMB, ensuring that it was placed under the care of wildlife authorities equipped to assess and rehabilitate it.
The DENR-Calabarzon reminded the public not to keep, handle, or attempt to care for wildlife encountered outside its natural habitat and urged them to immediately contact the nearest DENR office or local environment and natural resources office for assistance.
