Why are these wildlife species being kept as pets?
A total of 32 assorted birds and a juvenile monkey – a long tailed Philippine Macaque – were rescued from a private residence in barangay Kotkot, Liloan town last September 6, and brought to a wildlife facility to stabilize their condition.
“They were caged. Most likely their nutrition is inadequate and there was no proper maintenance considering that the birds were caged since the time they were seized,” said Eddie Llamedo, spokemsan of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources 7.
The animals were confiscated in a joint operation by the DENR and the National Bureau of Investigation.
The animals were seized at the residence of Aristotle Binabaye, who was given 15 days to present proof of ownership and a wildlife registration permit.
The species were turned over to the APK Wildlife Facility in barangay Lahug for temporary care and custodial safekeeping and to stabilize the health condition of the birds.
The rescued animals included ten Hanging Parakeets or Colasisi, four Coletos, three Tarictic Hornbills, a Green Imperial Pigeons, a Brown Dove or Reddish Cuckoo Dove and a Blue Naped Parrot.
Authorities also confiscated one Crested Myna , a Philippine Macaque, a Crested Goshawk, a Philippine Falconet, Philippine Eagle Owl , Brahminy Kite, Philippine Hawk Eagle and Besra.
The illegal trade of endangered species is penalized by a fine of P200,000 and a jail term of two years, Killing endangered animals carries the penalty of imprisonment of six years and a fine of P500,000. /Reporter Joy Cherry Quito