Two leopard cats rescued in Roxas, Palawan

Two kittens with brown fur and dark spots were recently rescued in the town of Roxas, Palawan.

According to Kuya Kim Atienza’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the two kittens were not common cats but endangered Palawan leopard cats, locally known as “tamaral,” as identified by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

MENRO Roxas, Palawan officer Engr. Marilo Manlavi said that the two kittens were discovered after a resident’s dog began barking persistently, prompting a couple to check the area.

“Una po nilang napansin is 'yung adult tamaral. Nung nakatakbo na po 'yung adult tamaral, napansin din po nila 'yung dalawang kitten. Hindi na sila makabalik doon sa kanilang ina,” Manlavi explained. 

“Dahil nga po may mga pag-aaral po na kapag sila po ay nahawakan na ng tao ay mas gugustuhin na po nilang sumama sa mga tao kaysa po bumalik sa wild. Kaya kailangan po silang palakihin po dito sa ating [Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center] sa Puerto Princesa City." 

The Palawan leopard cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus bengalensis heaneyi, is endemic to Palawan, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Kuya Kim explained that these nocturnal creatures inhabit forests and grasslands, and are sometimes seen near farmlands in search of food. They prey on rodents, small birds, lizards, and insects.

However, there are instances when leopard cats wander into human settlements while hunting, putting them at risk. In a separate incident, one leopard cat reportedly died after being run over by a vehicle.

Leopard cats are classified as an endangered species under PCSD Resolution No. 23-967. The PCSD has urged the public to avoid approaching or capturing leopard cats if they are spotted in their communities.

Instead, leopard cat sightings should be reported immediately to the proper authorities to ensure trained wildlife personnel can handle and protect the animals.

“Mas maganda na mag-contact sa [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] o kaya sa local na veterinarian para mas tama yung pag-handle especially predator 'tong mga pusa na ‘to,” also advised Jay Fidelino a wildlife biologist at the University of the Philippines Diliman. 

Meanwhile, Kuya Kim shared that there exists another leopard cat in the country — the Visayan leopard cat, locally called “maral.”

The maral is endemic to the islands of Negros Island, Panay Island, and Cebu Island. The said animal is featured on the Philippines’ P50 polymer banknote.

The Visayan leopard cat has yet to be officially evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and sightings are rare. Its population faces threats from deforestation and illegal hunting.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News