Motorists were urged to “brake for animals” after two leopard cats, one of them an endangered species, died after being reportedly hit on the road in different towns in Palawan.
Local reports said that a Palawan leopard cat, locally known as a “Tamaral,” died near Matanglao Bridge in San Vicente after being suspected as a roadkill victim.
The Palawan Daily reported on April 16 that, according to a resident, Rosana Regala, the animal was still alive when she saw it on the side of the road.
The feline later died.
The publication also reported that a Sunda Leopard Cat was killed along the national highway in Barangay Panitian at Sofronio Española on April 7.
Reports said the carcass of the feline was discovered by a resident, Cons Dagaraga, in front of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 4Ps office.
According to the report, the cat was struck by a vehicle traveling along the national highway early in the morning of April 7.
Meanwhile, Ginger Friends PH, a group that rescues stray cats, reminded motorists to be vigilant on the road and to brake for animals instead of hitting them.
“Hindi lang ito ‘isang pusa.’ Isa itong bihirang wildlife na unti-unti nang nawawala sa mundo natin. Sa bawat mabilis na pagpapatakbo, may buhay na pwedeng mawala. Sa bawat sandaling hindi tayo nag-iingat, may species na tuluyang nababawasan,” it said in a post.
The rescue group reminded motorists to slow down, especially in forested areas, stay alert for crossing animals, particularly at night, and brake instead of hitting them.
“Hindi nila kayang umiwas tulad natin. Wala silang boses para ipagtanggol ang sarili nila. Tayo ang may kontrol. Tayo ang may responsibilidad,” it said.
The group also urged those who happen to see injured wildlife to immediately report the incident to authorities instead of ignoring it.
“Maaaring ikaw ang maging dahilan para may isang buhay na masalba pa,” it said.
The Palawan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis heaneyi) is a small wild feline native to South and East Asia, including the Philippines.
It is classified as an endangered species, referring to a species or subspecies that is not critically endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the factors causing its decline continue.
Such species are protected under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Meanwhile, the Sunda leopard cat (Prionailurus javanensis sumatranus) can be found in the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, as well as in the Philippine islands of Palawan, Panay, Negros, Cebu, and possibly Masbate.
