Rare Philippine deer reappears in Marinduque
The elusive Philippine deer has been spotted in Marinduque decades after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Mimaropa thought it was locally extinct, the agency said on March 22.
Multiple sightings near houses and by the road were recorded in Barangay Malibago, Torrijos, and Barangay Makulapnit, Sta. Cruz. Monitoring activities were confirmed by the Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area Management Office.
According to DENR, Makulapnit has reported sightings of at least 10 deer, marking the area as a key habitat for the Philippine deer, which is also known as the Philippine brown deer. Footprints were also seen in the town of Boac and the surrounding areas.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the rare species as vulnerable under its Red List. DENR considers it endangered.
"Ang muling paglitaw ng Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) sa ating lugar ay patunay na ang ating kalikasan ay patuloy na nabubuhay at may kakayahang magpanumbalik kung ito ay ating pangangalagaan," said DENR Mimaropa in a statement.
The Philippine deer, according to DENR, contributes to the ecosystem by helping maintain the natural balance of the local forest system. It is not aggressive. In one video published by DENR Mimaropa on social media, the deer could be seen in a forest just feet away from a carabao. It remained relaxed in its spot under the trees despite the presence of people nearby, taking its video.
Protective measures
Owing to its endangered status, the deer remains under government protection.
DENR released several guidelines for the public to keep the deer safe:
- Do not feed, approach, run after, capture, hurt, or kill the Philippine deer.
- When driving on roads where wildlife is known to cross, go slow.
- Do not engage in activities that may destroy or alter the deer's habitat.
- Report sightings or illegal activities involving the Philippine deer to your barangay, local government unit, or DENR PENRO Marinduque.
Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, strictly forbids capturing, hurting, killing, or owning wildlife, such as the Philippine deer. Law breakers will face six months to six years of jail time and/or a fine ranging from P50,000 to P500,000, depending on the severity of the crime.
