CENRO releases snakes back into natural habitat in Antique

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SAN REMIGIO, Antique — On July 1, 2024, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Belison successfully released three different species of snakes back into their natural habitat in the forest area of San Remigio, Antique.

The species included a Philippine Rat Snake, a North Philippine Temple Pit Viper, and a Wolf Snake, all of which were turned over to CENRO by local residents.

The Philippine Rat Snake (Coelognathus erythrurus), locally known as “maninina,” is a nonvenomous species that preys on rats and other small animals. This snake was turned over by Mr. and Mrs. De Guia, concerned residents of Brgy. Maybato North, San Jose, Antique.

Ken and Andrie Ordanel, residents of Villavert Compound, Brgy. 5, San Jose, Antique, handed over the North Philippine Temple Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus subannulatus) and the Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus).

The pit viper, known locally as “dupong,” is a highly venomous ambush predator that uses its bright green color for camouflage. The Wolf Snake, or “paparay,” although non-venomous, has enlarged front teeth that can cause pain and swelling if it bites.

“These snakes as well as other wild fauna belong to the wild, they maintain the balance of our ecosystem, thus protecting them and keeping them away from the public that can harm them is one way to give in return,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla.