The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has officially announced the reappearance of the Philippine deer or Rusa marianna in Marinduque.

The agency is delighted with this and identified the species’ crucial role in the ecosystem as it maintains the balance of forests and natural resources.

The Philippine deer is a wildlife species, considered endangered in the country.

“Ang Philippine deer ay isang vulnerable species ayon sa International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at itinuturing na endangered sa ilalim ng DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-19,” according to DENR MIMAROPA

[“The Philippine deer is a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and considered as endangered under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-19.”]

To ensure the protection of this species, the DENR strictly advises the public to avoid approaching, feeding, chasing, capturing, harming, or killing this wildlife. This safety measure is in accordance with RA 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits harming, chasing, killing, or possession without proper authorization.

Violators may face six months and one day to six years of imprisonment and/or a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱500,000.

Motorists are advised to be cautious in areas where wildlife may cross to prevent road accidents. The agency also warns against conducting activities that may harm wildlife’s habitat.

The DENR urges the public to report any illegal activities involving wildlife to the DENR PENRO Marinduque. Reports may be submitted to the following:

Email address: openro.marinduque@gmail.com

Contact numbers: 0956 597 3758 / 0998 901 8883

Facebook page: DENR PENRO Marinduque