A RARE Philippine palm civet (Paradoxurus philippensis), locally known as “garong,” has been released back to its normal habitat in Guiuan, Eastern Samar after recovering from the sustained injuries.
"The Department of Environment and Natural Resource is grateful to everyone who shows concern for our wildlife and their habitat," said Eastern Visayas environment executive director Tirso Parian Jr.
"Let’s keep our wildlife such as the civet cats alive and protected,” the official added as he urged the public to report wildlife violations.
The office of Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape rescued the wounded animal after a concerned citizen spotted it in the streets of Poblacion 8, Guiuan, on July 24, 2021.
It was immediately brought to the Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office-Borongan Sub-office in Guiuan for proper care and rehabilitation.
Rescuers found the civet cat had injuries on its left eye and mouth.
The civet cats are considered one of the country’s endemic species.
“The civet cat plays an important role in the ecosystem by propagating the seeds it spews after eating. This natural process contributes to growing a variety of plants and fruit trees in the forests,” the regional environment office said. (SunStar Philippines)