AUTHORITIES have released a yellow-headed water monitor lizard back to its natural habitat in Zamboanga del Norte, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
The DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula said the lizard was freed last week at the Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape in Talisay village, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
The lizard was entangled in fishing net in a fishpond in Barcelona village, Dapitan City and was rescued by Jeric Toryon.
Toryon reported his find to Police Corporal Antonio Bongcawel of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, who retrieved the lizard and turned it over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro)-Pi an for documentation and proper handling.
The DENR said the lizard was approximately 65 centimeters long and in good health, with no visible injuries, making it fit for release.
The DENR said the Yellow-headed water monitor lizard is classified as an "other threatened species" under Administrative Order 2019-09 of the environment agency.
However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the lizard as "least concern."
Meanwhile, the Cenro-Pi an urged the public to report any sightings of distressed or injured wildlife to local authorities to ensure their safety and protection. (SunStar Zamboanga)