It is a vulnerabie species endemic to the Philippines.
In a post by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Regional IV-B (MIMAROPA), the sighting of a Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) was reported.
According to the agency, its reemergence after decades since it was last spotted is proof that the nature has the capacity to restore itself when it is taken care of.
“Ang muling paglitaw ng Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) sa ating lugar ay patunay na ang ating kalikasan ay patuloy na nabubuhay at may kakayahang magpanumbalik kung ito ay ating pangangalagaan,” they wrote.
The DENR office also emphasized that the Philippine deer is an important part of the ecosystem and helps in balancing the forests and its natural resources.
“Kilala rin ang mga ito bilang maamo at hindi agresibo, at nitong mga nakaraan ay mas madalas nang nakikita sa mga komunidad, maging sa mga kabahayan at malapit sa kalsada,” added the regional offic, that added these animals are treasures of Marinduque that reflect its rich biodiversity.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Philippine deer is a vulnerable species and is considered endangered under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-19 and had been “presumed absent” in Marinduque based on a 2012 study.
Hence, it requested residents to not go near, feed, chase, catch, or kill the animal; slow down when driving in areas where the wildlife might cross; prevent doing activities that could cause damage to their habitat; and report to authorities any incidents or sightings and illegal activities against it.
According to Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), hurting, catching, killing, and owning wildlife such as the Philippine deer is prohibited without sufficient paperworks.
Park rangers/nature rangers from the DENR, the local government units, members of the MWS Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), and partners of the Protected Area Management Office are also assigned to the identified areas to ensure continuous monitoring and protection of the said species.
Coordination is also ongoing with various agencies, to further strengthen and expand its conservation and protection measures, added the DENR.
The Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS), which has a total area of 9,758.71 hectares covering 5 municipalities and 23 barangays, is considered a Protected Area (PA) by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 696 and is considered the home or natural habitat of the Philippine deer.
It is part of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038 or better known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act, to further strengthen the conservation and protection of wildlife within the sanctuary.
“Sa panahong ito ng muling paglitaw ng Philippine deer, nananawagan ang DENR MIMAROPA sa lahat na maging kaagapay sa pagbabantay at pagkakaisa para sa patuloy na proteksyon ng ating wildlife,” they called on the public.
It also reminded, “Ang kalikasan ay hindi lamang para sa atin—ito ay para rin sa susunod na henerasyon. Sama-sama nating pangalagaan ang ating Philippine deer at ang ating wildlife!“
