NEWT

30/12/2025

The rare sighting of the country’s national bird has sparked hope among conservationists and local communities.

Rare Philippine Eagle Pair Seen in Bukidnon After 20 Demonstration Years

For the first time in two decades, a wild and untagged pair of Philippine Eagles has been spotted within the ancestral domain of the Bukidnon Higaonon Tribal Association (BUHITA).

Witnesses described seeing the eagles perform a graceful courtship flight, a powerful display of loyalty and strength that reflects their lifelong bond. The sighting has renewed optimism for the survival of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, proving that the species continues to thrive in the wild despite persistent threats.

30/12/2025

The world’s cutest rodent species can be found in the Philippines, and they’re thriving in the sanctuary protected by Masungi Georeserve.

11/12/2025

‎On October 30 2025. NEWT have received a report about a sighting of a bird that is hanging on a pine tree wherein it seems like it's feet have a string wrapped around it. Upon arrival on the sight, the bird has been hanging upside down and already weak. Once it has been retrieved from the tree it has been identified as a Philippine Grass owl (Tyto longimembris). It was then physically examine where in multiple injuries was found on it feet and recognized that it was tangled to the tree because it was a victim of a trap. Later it was then released back into the wild after rehabilitation.
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‎The Philippines protects its wildlife through Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which aims to conserve wildlife and prevent illegal activities such as poaching. Poaching refers to the illegal hunting, capturing, or collecting of animals and their products without permits, including the use of traps, snares, poisons, or other harmful methods. RA 9147 prohibits killing, possessing, transporting, or trading wildlife taken unlawfully, with stricter penalties for endangered and critically endangered species.

10/12/2025

The Northern Exotics and Wildlife Troopers (Baguio-Benguet branch)
is now accepting new applicants!

Until December 15, 2025 only

Be part of the troop!

For those who are interested answer the google form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBLnuWXTG-GJ47beVOL3oROR-QC2ctv4-AYTXxFsexyiIB1g/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawOmOx1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7VNBgENYgxnVIkHwJ989zac2KyreOEd4ejdFLTa9K8KD9jl2vDZyVqXOfhvg_aem_HF2uS8nMH-xVV1pRpJnkMQ

02/12/2025

October 31, 2025 along Marcos Highway, a concerned netizen spotted a 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐭 (Phloeomys pallidus) at the side of the road. Fearing it might get run over, the resident carefully secured the animal and initially asked for help from a veterinarian they knew, which recommended them to surrender the cloud rat to proper authorities. Upon receiving of the animal the NEWT conducted promptly conducted brief examination wherein it was found that the cloud rat couldn't maintain its balance properly, it was then took for recovery.

This incident highlights the dangers that wildlife face near roads, particularly slow-moving or vulnerable species. Observing and safely assisting animals in distress can make a significant difference in their survival. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚.

31/10/2025

🐾𝗔 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀!🎓

✨Welcome to the profession, Doctors!✨
​
​We know the path to this moment was paved with sleepless nights, intense study sessions, and the sheer difficulty of mastering a vast and complex field. Every hurdle you cleared and every doubt you overcame showcases the depth of your commitment and eagerness to save lives.

​Your journey isn't just a personal triumph but is a 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 for us all. You've shown that even when facing the steepest challenges, our dreams and goals are well within reach. Your achievement will remind us that hardships are foundations to achieve success.
​May you treat the next phase of your career with the same passion and excellence you showed in your preparation. The animal kingdom awaits your healing hands and brilliant minds!

You have brought immense joy and pride to us, your NEWT family!

​

22/10/2025

Today is World Reptile Awareness Day . Let’s be aware of some of the roles they play in our ecosystem.

Reptiles play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. They contribute to various ecological functions that support biodiversity and health of their environments. Here are key aspects of their importance:
• Reptiles help control populations of insects and small mammals, preventing overpopulation and promoting species diversity.
• They serve as prey for larger animals, contributing to the food web.
• Through their feeding habits, reptiles assist in nutrient cycling by breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.
• Reptiles are sensitive to environmental changes, making them good indicators of ecosystem health. Their presence or absence can signal changes in habitat quality.
• Some reptiles, like tortoises, aid in seed dispersal, promoting plant diversity and growth in their habitats.




🖼️🖌️🎨 Ymari Kristia

19/10/2025

September 17, 2025 at Pinsao Pilot Project, Baguio City, a concerned citizen contacted us to report about a 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐎𝐰𝐥 (𝓞𝓽𝓾𝓼 𝓶𝓮𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓼) that landed at their property. The resident observed the owl exhibiting difficulty in flying, therefore carefully and safely securing the raptor in a basket together with 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐫 who retrieved the owl.

During the time that the resident found the owl there was a rainstorm which suggest that the owl could be a victim of "𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙊𝙬𝙡" which refers to owls that has been involved in a collision likely with a vehicle or a window.

Unlike other birds like waterfowls, most owl species do not have a heavily oiled, waterproof feathers. They have an extremely soft plumage, which allows them to haave a near-silent flight, but is highly susceptible to absorbing water. When saturated, their feathers become heavy, compromising their lift and maneuverability, which makes flying extremely difficult.
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During hunting owls rely heavily on their hearing to locate prey. The noise of heavy rain could masks the sounds forcing the owls to fly lower, longer, and closer to the ground increasing their risk of a collision with passing vehicles or structures.

This incident serves as a reminder to 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮, particularly during the rainy season and at night. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.

09/10/2025

The organization takes calls and messages from rescues and most of the time, residents are scared and indifferent to our snakes. This rescue was different.

On Aug 6,2025, a message was sent to the page regarding a brown rat snake (𝓒𝓸𝓮𝓵𝓸𝓰𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓾𝓼 𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓾𝓻𝓾𝓼) that got inside a house scaring the home owner. She reached out to us through a friend who helped her get in touch with us. Upon arrival of 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐮𝐝, the snake was still under the refrigerator and confirmed it was an adult brown rat snake. It was safely captured and secured when maam Jovie, the resident who saw the snake, asked if we could let the snake stay even just for a day. Confused, the trooper asked why. Maam Jovie proceeded to explain that as she contacted her family, she was instructed by her uncle and family members to secure and hold on to the snake as they needed to perform a ritual.

In Ifugao, there is a belief (Maam was unable to ask the term in their province) where in they believed that the snake is actually a messenger or a human sent to ask for a favor to the living relatives. In some areas similar to this practice is the term, '𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐠-𝐛𝐨'(Benguet). In order to help fulfil this favor, they must slaughter a pig and a female native chicken as a sacrifice before releasing the snake back to the wild, unharmed. Amazed, our trooper allowed for the snake to stay returning back to the residence after the ritual was done.
The trooper thanked maam Jovie and said,
"𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝘆 𝟳 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗲. 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗺𝗮𝗮𝗺". The snake had no injuries and was turned over to DENR-CAR where it was later released into a non residential area.

We would like to specially thank maam 𝗝𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹, for sharing your tradition with us and the public. Though she was not sure of the term in their locality, she still made sure to follow her family's culture and tradition.

How about in other traditions and rituals in the Cordillera regarding wildlife? In other regions? Do you know the term for this practice? Feel free to share with us and the community!

06/10/2025

04/10/2025

💚"𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞."💚

As we celebrate the 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐘 this 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 let's remember that caring for animals is caring for our planet.

They may not have a voice, but they have a very powerful presence. Let's make sure our actions speak volumes for their protection and well-being since every paw, wing, and fin deserves respect and 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀.

🐵🦁🐯🐱🐶🐺🐻🐻‍❄️🐨🐼🐹🐭🐰🦊🦝🐸🐮🐷🐗🦓🦄🐴🐢🐊🐍🦇🦦🦔🐪🐿️🦧🦍🦛🦏🦫🦨🦡🦅🦉🐓🐦🦜🕊️🦤🦢🦩🦚🦃🦆🐧🦭🦈🐬🐋🐳🐟🐠🐡🦑🐙🦂🕷️🐌🐜

03/10/2025

𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒' 𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊!

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: ᴅᴇᴄᴏʀᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏʏᴀʟ ᴄᴜᴛɪᴇ-ᴘᴀᴛᴛᴏᴛɪᴇ! 🐍

The Troopers showed off their creative and comical side, turning this small, juvenile King Cobra (𝓞𝓹𝓱𝓲𝓸𝓹𝓱𝓪𝓰𝓾𝓼 𝓼𝓪𝓵𝓿𝓪𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓪) into a cutie-patootie work of art!

Credits to our 𝖈𝖔𝖔𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖙 𝖗𝖔𝖈𝖐𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖗 𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖗 Dun Geon who took the photos🤘
and our 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 who sent their one's in a life time work of art drawings✨