Two Palawan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis heaneyi) kittens were rescued and turned over to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSDS) on Monday after residents in Barangay Tagumpay, Roxas, acted to protect them from possible harm.
The kittens, locally known as “tamaral” or “maral,” were discovered after a household dog barked at an adult leopard cat on February 21.
Wildlife Enforcement Officer Jonathan Padilla said the residents immediately moved to secure the animals.
“Noong February 21, naalarma sila sa tahol ng kanilang alagang aso, nang puntahan nila ito, nakita nilang tinatahulan nito ang isang adult na tamaral,” he said in the statement.
“Pagkatapos nito, napag-alaman nilang mayroong dalawang kuting sa gilid kaya’t agad nilang kinuha ang mga ito upang masecure mula sa posibleng pagkagat ng aso,” Padilla added.
Personnel from PCSDS, together with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and local government staff, received the kittens.
“Pagdating ay agad sinuri ng mga rescuers ang mga kuting at napag-alamang nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga ito. Tinurnover ang mga ito sa PSCD DMD North Roxas para sa mas maayos na pangangalaga at monitoring,” Padilla added.
Authorities said the kittens were in good condition and are now under proper care and monitoring.
The Palawan leopard cat is classified as an endangered species under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.
Protecting it is vital because it helps control rodent populations and maintain balance in the forest ecosystem.
Officials acknowledged the residents who reported and surrendered the animals, saying their action reflects growing community participation in wildlife conservation in Palawan.
