Threat to native wildlife species (Full Episode) | Born to be Wild

Summary

The video script details an encounter with a marbled water monitor lizard in Bulacan, Philippines, highlighting its massive size and the challenges faced during its rescue. It also addresses the issue of invasive species, particularly the Cane toad, and their impact on native frogs. The script discusses the importance of biodiversity conservation and the efforts to protect the natural habitat of wildlife, urging viewers to subscribe to the GMA public Affairs YouTube channel for more environmental stories.

Takeaways

• 🐸 A large number of frogs, including marbled water monitor lizards, were found in various locations causing surprise to residents.
• 🏠 One monitor lizard was spotted inside a house in Bulacan, highlighting the occasional intrusion of wildlife into human habitats.
• 🌿 The lizard was carefully captured and released by local environmental officers, emphasizing the importance of handling wildlife with care.
• 🔍 The script mentions the need for public awareness on how to respond to encounters with potentially dangerous wildlife like monitor lizards.
• 🏥 The captured lizard was examined for injuries and received treatment, showcasing the role of rescue centers in wildlife conservation.
• 🌱 The release of the monitor lizard into a natural habitat was discussed, underlining the goal of returning wildlife to their natural environments.
• 🐸 A juvenile monitor lizard was found in San Pedro, Laguna, and was temporarily housed by a resident, indicating community involvement in wildlife care.
• 🌧️ A significant frog infestation was discovered in an old fountain in Batangas, suggesting the impact of environmental changes on wildlife behavior.
• 🐛 The frogs were observed to be feeding on insects, indicating their role in the ecosystem as predators and the potential for overpopulation.
• 🌐 The presence of invasive species like the Cane toad was noted, posing a threat to native species and the local biodiversity.

Q & A

What was the unexpected discovery in a house in Bulacan?

The unexpected discovery was a large marbled water monitor lizard, also known as a bayawak, which was found in a chicken coop.

Why was the bayawak in the chicken coop?

The bayawak was likely in the chicken coop because it was seeking food, as it is known to prey on chickens and other small animals.

What happened when the bayawak was found in the coop?

The residents were surprised and concerned, and one of them was even bitten by the lizard. They then called for help to safely capture and remove the bayawak.

Why shouldn't the bayawak be approached or touched carelessly?

The bayawak should not be approached or touched carelessly because its mouth can be dirty and potentially infectious, even though it does not have venom.

What measures were taken to ensure the safety of the residents after the bayawak was captured?

The bayawak was safely captured and quarantined to prevent it from biting any more residents, and the local municipal environment and natural resources office was notified.

What is the typical habitat of a marbled water monitor lizard?

The typical habitat of a marbled water monitor lizard is near water bodies such as rivers and swamps, but they can also be found in other environments like the one described in the script.

Why was the bayawak released after it was captured?

The bayawak was released because it was determined to be healthy and not a threat to humans, and it was important to return it to its natural habitat.

What is the significance of the large number of frogs found in the fountain in Batangas?

The large number of frogs in the fountain indicates a potential breeding ground, which could lead to an overpopulation of non-native species like the cane toad, affecting the local ecosystem.

Why are cane toads considered an invasive species in the Philippines?

Cane toads are considered invasive because they are not native to the Philippines and can outcompete and prey on native species, disrupting the local biodiversity.

What is the role of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in managing such wildlife encounters?

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources plays a role in managing wildlife encounters by providing guidelines for the capture and release of animals, and ensuring that invasive species do not harm the local ecosystem.

How can the public help in preserving native wildlife and biodiversity?

The public can help by being aware of invasive species, reporting sightings to the appropriate authorities, and supporting conservation efforts to protect native wildlife and their habitats.