MENDEZ, Cavite — A Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) found wandering near a resident’s house in Barangay Galicia 3 was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) on Sept. 3 for assessment and rehabilitation.

The resident discovered the endangered animal roaming around his house on Sept. 2 and immediately sought assistance from the Mendez Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

The pangolin was subsequently endorsed to the DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cavite, which coordinated with DENR CALABARZON for its transfer to the BMB.

The BMB found that the pangolin required a specialized diet of natural food, including 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 coordinated with Cebu Pacific Air to transport the pangolin to Palawan, where it is expected to undergo further care and rehabilitation. Its eventual release into the wild will depend on assessment and disposition by wildlife authorities.

The Philippine pangolin 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.

DENR CALABARZON urged the public not to keep, handle or attempt to care for wildlife encountered outside their natural habitat. Instead, people should immediately contact the nearest DENR office or local environment and natural resources office for proper assistance.