A Brown booby (Sula leucogaster) was recently released back to the sea after it was turned over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Mobo town in Masbate province.

In a social media post on Wednesday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Bicol (DENR-5) said fisherfolk of Purok San Francisco, Calumpang, Milagros town found the large seabird shivering and with its right foot entangled in a rope on the seashore.

“CENRO officer Jean V. Imperial together with Wildlife Enforcement Officer Ryan Moneño and Stephen Solar Ragasa immediately responded and conducted an inspection” upon receiving the report, the post read.

There is no DENR office in Milagros, the reason the seabird was brought to Mobo.

The post added that upon examination, the avifauna was found weighing some three kilograms, with a total wingspan of 4.9 feet and body length of two feet. No lacerations, wounds, nor other notable injuries were observed by the team on the bird.

CENRO personnel found that the Brown booby was in good condition and decided to immediately release it to lessen the possible effects of stress due to captivity.

Imperial also conducted a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) talk to the individuals who turned over the seabird and awarded them certificates, “Wildlife Turnover, Tayo ang Kalikasan” (TAK) t-shirts, and tote bags.

Under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-09 or the Updated List of Threatened Philippine Fauna, the Brown booby is considered endangered.

It is also protected under the Republic Act 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

The DENR-Bicol is appealing to the public to report similar incidents of finding distressed wildlife and turn them to the authorities for proper handling and release to their natural habitat. (PNA)