A juvenile Palawan pangolin found at a public cemetery in Roxas, Palawan, was returned to its natural habitat on Aug. 10 after residents and local authorities coordinated its rescue and assessment.
The male pangolin, locally known as “balintong,” measured 71 centimeters and weighed about 1.25 kilograms when it was turned over to authorities.
Israel Nangit found the animal at the public cemetery in Barangay San Nicolas and immediately reported it to authorities, leading to its turnover to the Roxas Police Station through the Municipal Government of Roxas.
The municipal government, led by Mayor Pedy B. Sabando, coordinated the turnover through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office.
Wildlife Extension Officers later assessed the pangolin and found it in good condition and suitable for release into the wild.
The Palawan pangolin (Manis culionensis) is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The species is endemic to Palawan and is recognized as the flagship species of Roxas under Municipal Ordinance No. 780, series of 2020.
Authorities urged residents who encounter wildlife in their communities to report and surrender the animals to proper authorities instead of attempting to keep or handle them.
The successful release highlighted the role of community members in protecting wildlife and preserving Palawan’s biodiversity, particularly for species facing serious threats in the wild.
