According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-6), a Visayan
leopard card or locally known as “maral” was recently rescued in Mambusao town.
Early in April, the maral reportedly attacked the chickens at the rice field owned by farmer Lony
Salaya in Brgy. Burias.
After securing the maral, Salaya then contacted DENR-6’s Community Environment and Natural
Resources Office (CENRO-Mambusao) to check the animal that is considered as an vulnerable
specie.
CENRO Mambusao head Arlene Cobrado found that the maral was in good condition and
decided it was best to release it back to its natural habitat.
Meanwhile, DENR-6 reminded the public that the Wildlife Resources Protection and
Conservation Act prohibits the poaching, illegal hunting, and possession of wildlife species
without any permits.
“Please do not hesitate to contact the nearest DENR office when wildlife specie is found. Do not
hurt or kill them because it is our collective responsibility to care for our wildlife, especially
those which are already threatened and are endemic to our region,” said DENR-6 Regional
Director Livino Duran in a statement. (DENR-6/CENRO Mambusao)
