Endangered leopard cat wanders into hotel in Puerto Princesa

A rare Leopard Cat, known locally as "Tamaral" (Prionailurus bengalensis), was spotted inside a hotel in Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, morning on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

In a report by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), Ruel Sangabriel, a member of the hotel staff, thought it was an ordinary house cat but upon closer inspection, he realized it was a wild species.

"Ngunit sa kabila ng takot na naramdaman ng kapuwa niya kawani, mas nangamba siya umano sa kalagayan ng nasabing buhay-ilang," it said.

Aware that it should not be harmed or kept as a pet, he reportedly brought it to the PSCD immediately for proper care.

According to PCSD, the Leopard Cat is classified as an endangered species under PCSD Resolution 23-967.

The agency reminded the public to report any sightings of wildlife in need of rescue to ensure their proper handling and eventual return to their natural habitat.

PCSDS urged the community to help protect Palawan’s biodiversity by reporting distressed wildlife to their hotline at 0931 964 2128 or 0965 662 0248, or via their official Facebook page. —GMA Regional TV