The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Zamboanga (DENR-9) has released nine rehabilitated birds at a mangrove area in Barangay Kanim, Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte.

These avifauna include six rufous night herons; two brahminy kites; and a cattle egret.

These birds were rescued by residents and were turned over to the DENR-9. They were then rehabilitated at the DENR-9 Regional Wildlife Resources Center in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

“DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 classifies these species as “Other Wildlife Species.” According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species from 2016, all three species are classified as “Least Concern.” However, they require conservation and protection as they contribute to maintaining biodiversity,” DENR-9 said.

DENR-9 urged the public to report any wildlife held in captivity accidentally or intentionally.