San ildefonso: A concerned citizen from Barangay Gabihan, San Ildefonso, Bulacan turned over a juvenile Philippine scops owl (Otus Megalotis or Otus Whitehead) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) after finding the bird abandoned.

According to Philippines News Agency, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Baliwag head Dennis Vergara reported that the concerned citizen took the young owl under his care to ensure its safety before surrendering it to the DENR for proper handling. CENRO-Baliwag wildlife enforcement officers assessed the owl's condition before transporting it to the Biodiversity Management Bureau-Wildlife Rescue Center, located inside the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Diliman, Quezon City, for appropriate rehabilitation and wildlife management.

The bird, which belongs to the typical or common owl family Strigidae, is endemic to the Philippines and is not endangered. DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the concerned citizen for turning over the owl, instead of keeping it. He emphasized that public cooperation plays a vital role in protecting the country's wildlife and conserving biodiversity.

"We thank the public for their continued support in protecting and conserving our wildlife. Your concern for the environment demonstrates that a mobilized and responsible citizenry is vital to the success of our environmental programs and conservation efforts," Pablo stated.

Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, prohibits the collection, hunting, possession, transport, and trade of wildlife and their by-products without the necessary permits issued by the government. Individuals who encounter injured, abandoned, or displaced wild animals are encouraged to immediately report the incident to the nearest DENR office or appropriate authorities for proper rescue, assessment, and rehabilitation.