Palawan otter, other Philippine animals make trade protected list

MANILA, Philippines — With international support, the Philippine species of otters, butterflies, geckos and wedgefish are now among the animals listed as threatened with extinction.

The Philippines successfully rallied support for international cooperation to protect its animals that are threatened  with extinction during the 18th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) in Geneva.

During the meeting, a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) official was also recognized for her role in strengthening the Philippines’ conservation efforts and helping put a stop to domestic ivory trade.

Supported by other countries, the Philippines was able to include local species of otters and butterflies in Appendix I of the Convention, and geckos and wedgefish in Appendix II.

Appendix I offers the highest protection to species already threatened with extinction by limiting trade and requiring the issuance of export and import permits in exceptional cases, while Appendix II includes animals that may face extinction due to uncontrolled or illegal trade.

The isolated population of Asian small-clawed otter in Palawan is the only known otter species in the country, locally known as “dungon,” “pangkat-pangkatan”or “fisher dog.”

Meanwhile, former DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau-Wildlife Resources Division chief Josefina de Leon received the Clark Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award from the Species Survival Network and Animal Welfare Institute for her crucial role in strengthening wildlife law enforcement in the Philippines.

Apart from developing standards and protocols for wildlife law enforcers, De Leon was among the key figures in the destruction of more than four tons of elephant tusks seized in 2013.

Ambassador Evan Garcia, Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN and Other Organizations in Geneva, received the award in her behalf in a side event held last Aug. 20.

He also hailed the inclusion of Philippine animals in the CITES appendices.

“The listing is a victory not just for the animals whose survival is endangered because of unmitigated trade, but for present and future generations whose access to the benefits of biodiversity rests on our current resolve and ability to recognize threats, respond quickly to dynamic situations, and modify destructive patterns of consumption,” Garcia said.

Members of the Philippine delegation included representatives from the DENR, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Save Philippine Seas, Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, Center for Sustainability PH Inc., Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines Inc., and Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc.