A RESCUED Mindanao Flying Squirrel has been placed under the care of the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) in Baclay village, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, where training wildlife professionals will monitor and care for it until its release.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Zamboanga Peninsula said Friday, August 15, that the squirrel was rescued last week in Poblacion village, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte.
The wildlife was reported by Reynaldo Cajocon, who found and captured it inside his home and immediately informed the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro)-Manukan.
The DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula said technical personnel of Cenro-Manukan have conducted a physical assessment and found the squirrel healthy, with only minor bruises on its right rear leg.
The Mindanao Flying Squirrel will remain under the care of the RWRC until it is fit to be released back to its natural habitat.
Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09, the Mindanao Flying Squirrel is classified as “Other Wildlife Species,” meaning it is not currently considered threatened.
However, continued protection, proper handling, and monitoring are essential to ensure its welfare and prevent population decline. (SunStar Zamboanga)