Paje tells public: Don’t import exotic species

DENR Sec. Ramon J.P. Paje

PAGADIAN CITY - Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has warned the public against the danger of bringing into the country some exotic species in light of reports that Chinese softshell turtles are destroying wildlife habitat in Central Luzon.

"Some exotic species threaten not only the survival of local wildlife spcecies, but also put human health at risk," Paje said, as he advised the public to refrain from importing exotic species that are considered dangerous.

There have been reports that Chinese softshell turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) are adversely affecting the aquaculture and biodiversity in Pampanga, Bulacan and Bataan becasue they prey on bangus (milkfish) and tilapia fingerlings in fishponds in these provinces. 

“This highlights how exotic species can in fact become invasive by threatening the very existence of endemic and indigenous flora and fauna, and eventually affecting the livelihood in our rural communities,” Paje said.

To prevent the proliferation of these invasive alien species (IAS), Paje advised those who intend to import exotic species to closely coordinate with the DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) in securing proper permits and complying with government quarantine measures.

Republic Act (RA) No. 9147, or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, requires the registration of wildlife species, particularly those considered threatened and exotic, whether for recreation, conservation or propagation.

Under the law, aquarium owners are directed to surrender their exotic fish to the PAWB instead of throwing these into waterways where they could breed with or threaten local species.

RA 9147 also prohibits the introduction of exotic species in the country. Intentional introduction of exotic species for exotic use, such as agricultural or commercial uses, are carefully assessed by the PAWB.

Paje discouraged the public from patronizing and transporting exotic species. “There is often no harm intended when people import or buy them, but we also have to be aware of the possible consequences of growing or caring for them,” he said.

He added: “IAS can destroy the delicate ecological balance when they compete with endemic species for resources. Some are even disease-carrying agents and can be hazardous to human health.”

Meanwhile, PAWB Director Theresa Mundita Lim said that about 170 alien or non-endemic species of plants, animals and insects have been recorded as causing damage to agriculture and local biodiversity. Among these are water lily, golden apple snail or golden kuhol, tilapia and janitor fish.

Lim stressed that the DENR has already undertaken measures to address the problem of IAS.  According to her, the DENR through PAWB is in charge with the implementation of the Philippine component of the internationally-funded project on IAS, entitled “Removing Barriers to Invasive Species Management in the Production and Protection Forests in Southeast Asia” which was launched recently.

The project identifies and implements techniques in managing buyo-buyo (Piper aduncum) in the Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. The highly aggressive shrub has been found to be an invasive species leading to the degradation of natural forest. (RPAO, DENR-9 PR)