CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) — A rare Northern Luzon giant cloud rat (Phloeomys pallidus) has been safely rescued and released back into the wild by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Dinapigue, Isabela.
The rescue occurred after a routine surveillance operation along a roadside in Barangay Ayod, Dinapigue. Upon spotting the animal, DENR personnel carefully secured it, conducted a health assessment, and released it back into its natural forest habitat after assessing it to be in good condition.
Forester Mildred Balunsat, head of the DENR Sub-Office in Dinapigue, emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and protection efforts, particularly within the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, a key biodiversity hotspot in Luzon.
“We are committed to conducting regular night patrols and habitat monitoring, especially in critical areas like Barangay Ayod, to safeguard species that are vital to our local ecosystem. These efforts also act as a deterrent against illegal activities that threaten wildlife,” Balunsat said.
The Northern Luzon giant cloud rat is endemic to Luzon and is currently classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
However, Balunsat noted that consistent monitoring and habitat protection remain crucial to ensure its long-term survival.
She also underscored the value of community involvement in conservation, urging the launch of public awareness campaigns and education programs that promote wildlife protection to include school workshops, community seminars, and hands-on conservation initiatives.
In addition, Balunsat called for a comprehensive ecological assessment of the species’ habitat to identify areas that may require restoration and recommended actions to include the replanting of native vegetation, removal of invasive species, and implementation of sustainable ecological practices. (MGE/PIA Isabela).
