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Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Despite registration, DENR finds it hard to monitor traders
WHILE illegal trade of wildlife remains to be a problem, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 admitted they have difficulty monitoring even traders who are registered with them.
Reynaldo Yray of the protected area and wildlife division (PAWD) of DENR 7 said only two personnel, including himself, are assigned to check on registered wildlife collectors and traders.
Still, Yray warned that those who maintain endangered wildlife but have not registered with their office could face sanctions.
He said the biodiversity and wildlife management section of PAWD relies on Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (Cenros) to monitor unregistered or illegal wildlife collectors and traders.
Condition of animals
Yray said registered wildlife collectors, including commercial zoos, are required to report every three months the condition of animals in their care.
But due to lack of personnel, he said the biodiversity and wildlife management section cannot verify these reports.
Yray also revealed that four animal vendors found near Escario St. in Cebu City are already registered with PAWD.
“They were the first to register,” he said.
He said the vendors are allowed to sell even threatened species but not those classified as “critically endangered.”
Extension
Those who buy animals from the vendors are also considered as “extension” of the permit, so they need not secure a clearance of their own.
Yray said, though, that it is better for all wildlife collectors to register.
The DENR set the registration date for all kinds of wildlife last Dec. 9, 2004.
Persons or entities that have exotic animals, and any threatened or endangered species are required to register with the DENR.
The registration enables the department to monitor ownership and trading of wildlife in the country.
Penalty for those who fail to register range from a fine of P200 to P1 million or imprisonment from five days to 12 years. (LAP)
(April 20, 2005 issue)
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