Injured grass owl rescued

An injured Eastern grass owl (Tyto longimembris) was recently turned over by a concerned citizen in Manapla, Negros Occidental.

The bird was found by a concerned citizen in the sugarcane plantation at Hacienda Rosita, Brgy. 1, Manapla.

Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Chief Victor Lapidez of LGU Manapla turned over the owl to CENRO Cadiz City on May 9, 2023 and was received by Rezel S. Purisima, CENRO Cadiz City’s wildlife unit chief.

Upon initial physical assessment of CENRO Cadiz City personnel, the bird suffered an injury on its left wing.

CENRO personnel then brought the owl for treatment and observation at Cadiz City Veterinary Office with help from Dr.  Josue Rabang.

As of presstime, the grass owl is in the custody of CENRO Cadiz City for proper care and rehabilitation before it is released back into the wild.

Eastern grass owls are usually found in tall grasses so a sugarcane plantation is a good hideaway. They are also seen in swampy areas, grassy plains and even on sedges on flood plains. They would prey on small mammals, particularly rodents.

“Owls, like all other birds, are very much a part of our diverse ecosystems and play vital role in the check and balance of the natural environment. Whenever we see them, let us be careful not to harm or kill them,” said Livino B. Duran, regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 6.