Secure permits for wildlife, public told

One of four turtles were released from captivity by environment officials at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in San Vicente, Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City in this March 9, 2013, file photo.

Possession of wildlife as small as tarantulas and lovebirds should be covered by permits, the regional Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said last week.

Forester Ariel Raca, acting chief of the DENR’s enforcement division, said those interested to raise wildlife as well as wildlife keepers and owners should secure a certificate of wildlife registration (CWR) to legitimize their ownership of the animal.

A wildlife farm permit (WFP) is also required when one intends to operate a breeding farm, Rica said in last Thursday’s forum at the Philippine Information Agency.

Rica said a CWR can be issued if the animal doesn’t belong to the critically endangered list of species and was bought from a legitimate source.

He said stringent requirements are in place when it comes to the issuance of a WFP.

DENR biologist and zoologist Rainier Manlegro said owning animals without the necessary forms could be charged with “illegal possession” under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

Penalties include fines and imprisonment of up to four years.

But Rica said there are public and private entities that were able to obtain permits even if the animals they possess are considered critically endangered.

He said a four-year moratorium on RA 9147 was in effect in 2001. Manlegro said CWR costs P50 per animal.

Manlegro said among the most common wildlife species that are patronized by hobbyists sans permits are lovebirds and tarantulas. He said mere possession of them could be grounds for the filing of charges.

Rica said most of the wildlife confiscated in Cebu were smuggled from other places.