Personnel of the Tamaraw Conservation Program released two male Reticulated pythons (Malayophyton reticulatus) at the DENR MIMAROPA’s Tamaraw Genepool Farm in Barangay Manoot, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on July 3, 2022.


Concerned citizens in Brgy Ambulong found the longer reptile on July 2, while it was about to attack a local’s livestock goat. Kag. Edilfredo Abos and Kag. Florentino Encila coordinated with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in San Jose, which assisted them in the turnover of the reptile to the TCP.
Upon evaluation of resident veterinarian, Dr. Mikko Angeles Reyes, the python measured 14 feet long, weighted 21.9 kilograms and was estimated to be more than five years old. Dr. Reyes said the reptile was in good condition to be brought back into the wild.


Meanwhile, resident Reydan Trinidad spotted the other python in a pond at St. Joseph Seminary in Brgy. Pag-asa on June 13, before it was surrendered later that day to the TCP office, also for assessment. The snake measured four feet long, weighed 2.49 kilograms and was about a year old. The yearling had an abrasion on its head so it got treated first before it was released together with the other python.


The recent sightings of snakes can be associated with the onset of the rainy season. Dr. Reyes explained that burrows or dwellings get destroyed or flooded with rainwater, hence, snakes move out or are forcibly flushed out of their habitat. He added that it is also the python’s hatching season so one may expect to see hatchlings around.


The Reticulated python is a non-venomous snake native to South and Southeast Asia. It lives in rainforests, grassland areas and is often found near or in streams and lakes. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the reptile is a widespread and common species in the Philippines. It is also classified as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List.


Being the world’s largest snake, the species is often persecuted out of fear. Consequently, Dr. Reyes was quick to caution the public not to hurt or harm the reptile should they encounter one.


“Leave them alone. Snakes usually avoid human contact. Kung takot tayo sa kanila, mas takot sila sa atin,” he pointed out.


The vet also reminded that it is best to call the authorities for proper identification and restraining of the snakes, further warning that snake bites are more common if they are restrained.


Republic Act No. 9147 “An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats,” specifies as illegal acts the killing, destroying and inflicting injury to wildlife species. (With reports and photos from CENRO San Jose, Tamaraw Conservation Program and PENRO Occidental Mindoro). ###

Details
Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 07 July 2022