QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), through its North Field Office (NFO), retrieved three (3) reticulated pythons (Malayopython Reticulatus) in Malabon City recently.

The pythons were retrieved separately from Barangays Ibaba, Hulong Duhat, and San Agustin, Malabon City.

The snakes were immediately taken to the Wildlife Rescue Center at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Diliman, Quezon City pursuant with Republic Act No. 9147- “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.”

Reticulated pythons are native to Southeast Asia.

It is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) owing to its large range.

Domestically, however, the snake is listed under the category of “Other Threatened Species” of DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 or Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories.

Habitat loss and destruction, hunting, killing, and illegal wildlife trade are among the reasons why the number of reticulated pythons in the wild is decreasing.

Killing and inflicting injury to wildlife species, including its collection, hunting, possession, trade, and transport without permit is prohibited under Republic Act No. 9147 or “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001”.

Those found guilty of said acts will face jail time and fine depending on the conservation status of the wildlife involved.

In line with this, DENR National Capital Region Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan advised the public to report people involved in any of the illegal acts mentioned in Section 27 of RA 9147. (DENR-NCR/PIA-NCR)