A wild hedgehog was safely recovered by the enforcement team of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) at the Puerto Princesa City International Airport (PPCIA) after an alert from a concerned citizen.
Jerrol Seblario brought the hedgehog to the PCSDS WTMU Cargo Office at PPCIA after a tricycle driver found the animal along BM Road at around 11 a.m. on December 14.
The driver, unaware of the proper procedure for handling wildlife, entrusted the hedgehog to Seblario, who immediately contacted authorities.
The hedgehog was later transferred to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) for examination and proper care.
Although listed as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the hedgehog is considered exotic wildlife and remains protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. All activities involving exotic wildlife, including keeping, transporting, trading, breeding, propagation, or research, require prior authorization and permits from PCSDS.
PCSDS reminded the public to report any illegal wildlife activity in their area. Enforcement team contacts are Central, 0951-320-8791; South, 0916-954-6919; North, 0912-575-3527; and Calamian, 0907-660-0619.
