Wildlife species in the Visayas is under threat not only due to illegal trade but also of the climate change that affects the existence of the flora and fauna.{{more}}
This was cited by Assistant Director Antonio Manila of Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) when he was here last week for an assessment on the Protected Area Management Effectiveness held at Silliman University, organized by the Dr. Jovito Salonga Center for Law and Development and the German Development Service.
Director Manila called on law enforcement agencies and local government units (LGUs) to collaborate and strengthen their coordination to avert illegal collection, transport and trade of wildlife from the province in the case of Negros Oriental.
DENR official said the province is one of the habitats of various kinds of wildlife species such as the spotted deer, hanging or moluccan parrot species and the Visayan warty pigs.
While DENR is moving against illegal collection of wildlife, a strong partnership with private individuals and institutions like Silliman University is strengthened to protect and conserve endangered species in the province.
With this, SU President Ben Malayang III said the PAWB granted some P300,000 to improve the establishment of wildlife rescue unit of CENTROP or the Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CENTROP) of Silliman University. CENTROP is the first captive breeding facility established in the 1990’s at Silliman University.
It maybe recalled that former Vice-Governor Jose Baldado batted for a rescue center where recovered wildlife can be kept and bred in captivity.
The confiscated or rescued wildlife species in the province can be brought to CENTROP for rehabilitation, safekeeping and propagating.
Illegal possession, trade and transport of endangered species are punishable acts under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. The law expresses government’s commitment to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity. (PIA/JCT)
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