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| A Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), locally known as mago, was rescued by a team from DENR-CENRO in Sta. Rita, Samar. Photo: DENR Eastern Visayas |
A team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Sta. Rita, Samar, rescued a Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), locally known as mago.
According to Joseph Cabigayan, Environmental Management Specialist of CENRO Sta. Rita, the tarsier was captured by two residents while they were cutting grass on a farm in Basey, Samar.
The rescued tarsier was released in a forested area of Samar Island Natural Park (SINP).
Based on DENR Administrative Order 2019-09, or the updated national list of threatened Philippine fauna and their categories, the Philippine Tarsier is classified as Other Threatened Species. This means that the species is under threat from negative factors such as over-collection and will most likely be moved to the vulnerable category in the near future.
It is illegal to willfully and knowingly exploit wildlife resources under R.A. 9147, or the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act." This includes, among other things, killing and destroying wildlife species, injuring and maltreating them, collecting, hunting, or possessing wildlife, and trading them.
Depending on the category of wildlife, those found guilty face imprisonment for five (5) days to twelve (12) years and a fine of Php200.00 to Php1,000,000.00.