Elusive Philippine warty pig spotted on Mt. Apo

The Philippine warty pig or baboy ramo was recently seen on Mt. Apo.

According to #KuyaKimAnoNa on “24 Oras” Friday, staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI spotted the animal during their annual monitoring at Mt. Apo Natural Park in Davao del Sur.

Park protection officer Jodel Erano said they were surprised to see the elusive creature. “Mailap kasi ’yun eh, wild kasi,” he said.

Erano said the wild pig, which was wounded, was estimated to be 70-80 years old based on its tusks.

Meanwhile, Amer Oraiz, a hiker from Iligan City, also encountered a wild pig when he went up the mountain last year.

“Natatakot po, first time ko kasing maka-encounter sa personalan ng isang baboy ramo. Sabi kasi ng iba is wild sya, nangangagat,” he said.

Oraiz also noticed that the pig was wounded and had swollen feet.

According to International Union for Conservation of Nature, Philippine warty pigs are vulnerable or may soon be extinct due to hunting and loss of their forest habitat.

Jose Lechoncito Jr., DENR XI wildlife resource permitting section chief, said these animals would have better chances of survival if left without human intervention.

“Huwag natin silang gagalawin, huhulihin, hayaan lang natin sila na mabuhay sa kanilang natural habitat,” he said.

He also urged the public to report wildlife threats to the nearest DENR office. – RC, GMA News