Around the world, many people have taken into social media to share how they sighted wildlife species for the first time in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Here in the Philippines, wildlife sightings have also reached the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, especially in Calabarzon.
“Restrained human activities resulting from the ECQ was helping nature and biodiversity rediscover their natural spaces,” said Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, calling on people not to harm animals and leave them be. But if they see an injured, sick or orphaned animal, call the authorities.
“With the increased sightings of wild animals occurring in the Calabarzon region, it is important that we remind the public to leave them alone, unless they are sick, orphaned or injured, as we have wildlife experts who can take care of them,” he added.
Cimatu said human interference with wildlife can result to injury, disease, or taking them back to the wild limits their chances of surviving.
There are experts that can help these animals recuperate. The DENR chief encourages residents to reports cases of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife to DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau.
Possession, transportation and importation of wild animals are regulated under Republic Act 9147 or Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.
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