Six areas in Negros Oriental have been identified as hunting “hotspots,” Vice Gov. Jose Baldado yesterday said, as he reiterated the immediate need for a wildlife rescue center where wildlife species saved, especially those near extinction, can be kept and bred in captivity.

The hunting hotspots are Basay, Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Mabinay, Ayungon and Guihulngan, Baldado said.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Oscar Magallones said illegal hunting activities are prevalent in these hotspot areas.

He added that the province is home to varied wildlife species such as the spotted deer in Basay which is now considered a critically endangered specie, kulasisi or hanging parrot in Pamplona , and the Visayan warty pigs.

The bleeding heart pigeon is the most valuable specie being hunted, Baldado said. It is under threat as it is commonly trapped for meat, but its striking appearance means that there is also a market for it in the pet trade.

Baldado also said he has been urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Central Visayas office to establish the center, because at present, rescued wildlife are brought to the CENTROP at Silliman University , in Dumaguete City .

He said the capability of CENTROP may be limited and “we need a specialized institution for our rescued wildlife before we can have a successful wildlife conservation program.”

CENTROP or the Center for Tropical Conservation Studies is the first captive breeding facility established in the 1990's at Silliman University.*RG

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