A live Philippine sailfin lizard, locally known as “ibid”, was surrendered to authorities in Brgy. 39, Bacolod City, in compliance with the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The Bacolod Maritime Police Station reported that a concerned citizen voluntarily turned over the reptile, identified scientifically as Hydrosaurus pustulatus on Dec. 11.
Maritime police personnel immediately coordinated with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), where the wildlife species was formally received and documented by a forest technician.
The lizard was endorsed to PENRO for proper care and custody before its transfer to a designated wildlife sanctuary.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the Philippine sailfin lizard plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser and part of the natural food web, but the species continues to face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade.
Authorities reminded the public that possession, transport, or trade of wildlife without proper permits constitutes a violation of Republic Act 9147.*