By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Makati City government and the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesโBiodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) have stepped up efforts to curb the spread of invasive squirrels by conducting a comprehensive training program for village officials and environmental personnel tasked with wildlife management.
Held at Barangay Forbes Park on Thursday, the workshop gathered representatives from six villages, alongside personnel from the cityโs Department of Environmental Services (DES) and Makati Veterinary Services Department (MVSD). The training was facilitated by DENR-BMB wildlife experts Pola Geneva A. Bumanglag and Dr. Michael Angelo S. Sevilla.
The participants were trained on proper methods of monitoring and controlling squirrel populations, including humane trapping procedures, preparation of bait for capture devices, and the legal framework governing wildlife management in the country.
Authorities said the program forms part of the implementation of DENR-BMB Technical Bulletin No. 2022-01, which prescribes measures for the control and eventual eradication of the invasive Finlaysonโs squirrel (Callosciurus finlaysonii) in the Philippines.
Officials reminded the public that the species is covered by Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the possession, sale, transport, or release of the squirrels without proper authorization.
Violators may face imprisonment of up to eight years, fines of as much as P5 million, or both, depending on the gravity of the offense.
The DENR likewise encouraged individuals keeping the squirrels as pets to voluntarily surrender them to the agency for proper handling, while local government units were urged to designate trained personnel to conduct authorized capture operations.
City officials explained that Finlaysonโs squirrels, which originated from mainland Asia, have become a growing environmental concern because they strip tree bark, damage electrical wires, and compete with native wildlife for food resources.
The invasive mammals also consume fruits and nuts that serve as food for indigenous birds and small animals, disrupting local ecosystems and driving native species away from their natural habitats.
Residents were advised not to catch, feed, or harm squirrels on their own, stressing that wildlife handling without DENR supervision may constitute a violation of environmental laws.
Instead, the public is urged to immediately report squirrel sightings to their barangay offices or the nearest DENR office so trained wildlife personnel can safely capture and properly manage the animals.
ia/xf
