Wildlife keepers urged to apply for farm permit

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has encouraged wildlife keepers to apply for the Wildlife Farm Permit since the Certificate of Wildlife Registration had long expired, according to DENR-7 information officer Cliff Abrahan.

Under the wildlife farm permit, one can apply for a small-scale farm with a capitalization worth P1.5 million and below. The other is for a large-scale farm with a capital outlay of above the said amount.

It was learned from Abrahan that from October 10, 2004 to September 2006, DENR-7 issued a total of 480 CWRs. This was a permit issued to those who are in possession of any wildlife species. Shangri-la Mactan Island Resort, for example, has paid a total of P30,050 for assorted wildlife mammals and bird species on December 7, 2004. CWR applications expired on March 7, 2005 but later extended until September of 2006.

As for wildlife farm permit provided under the Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Act, DENR-7 has approved about 40 applications with two applications pending. Abrahan said that M. Lhuillier has paid P5,000 which is the requirement fee for the large-scale wildlife farm with a capitalization of P5 million or more. Lhuillier’s farm is situated in the municipality of Carmen, north of Cebu.

List of other requirements can be obtained from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office or the regional office of the DENR. All applications must undergo an evaluation by the Regional Wildlife Management Committee.

Wild farm operators can source breeding stock both locally and outside the country. One has to apply for Wildlife Collectors Permit if the stock is locally bred. For the imported one, the breeder must apply for import permit subject to the compliance of the Convention on International Trading of Endangered Species regulation.

Permit is likewise required for wildlife species for exhibition or educational purposes. The Wildlife Special Use Permit is issued by the regional executive director of the DENR where the intended exhibition is to be held. — Maria Eleanor E. Valeros   (FREEMAN NEWS)