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

GMA Public Affairs

19 Aug 202420:02

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

🦎 Discovery of a Large Monitor Lizard in a Residential Area

A surprising discovery of a large monitor lizard was made in a residential area, shocking the local residents. The lizard was first seen climbing a fence, causing a commotion among the people. A resident named Eddie captured the reptile and secured it in a sack to prevent harm to it. Officials from the municipal environment office advised him on handling such animals. Despite the fearsome appearance of the lizard, including its sharp teeth and strong bite, experts clarified that its bites are dangerous due to bacteria in the mouth rather than venom. Eddie’s actions in safely securing the animal were praised, and residents were cautioned to avoid close contact with the lizard due to the risk of infection from a bite.

05:00

🦎 Safe Release of the Captured Monitor Lizard

The monitor lizard, which had been temporarily housed in a cramped chicken coop, was eventually taken to a safer location for release. The animal was examined before its release, showing signs of some minor injuries, likely from biting on the metal cage or sacks. The lizard was treated with antibiotics to prevent infection and ensure a healthy recovery. Once assessed, the large monitor lizard was safely released into a more natural habitat, where it could thrive without posing a danger to residents or itself.

10:03

🐸 Frogs Overrun an Abandoned Fountain

In a subdivision in Batangas, an old fountain has become overrun with frogs after being abandoned during the pandemic in 2022. The fountain, no longer maintained, became home to numerous frogs, including their offspring. Residents noticed the frogs climbing stairs at night in search of food like insects. Due to the rainy season, the frogs were trapped in the fountain, unable to escape. Despite local beliefs linking frogs to warts, the real concern lies in the sheer number of frogs breeding in the stagnant water. The situation has raised alarms about invasive species like the cane toad, which are not native to the area but thrive due to favorable conditions.

15:04

🌳 Cane Toads Threaten Native Frog Species

In the rural areas of Mindoro, invasive cane toads have begun to mingle with the native frog species, leading to concerns about the impact on biodiversity. Local residents, including those who hunt frogs for food, noted the presence of bullfrogs and cane toads, which are much larger than the native species. The bullfrogs have also been observed interacting with native frogs, leading experts to worry about hybridization. With the introduction of these non-native species, particularly the toxic cane toad, the local ecosystem faces challenges. Conservationists emphasize the importance of preserving native species to maintain ecological balance.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Monitor Lizard

A monitor lizard, also known as a bayawak, is a large, carnivorous reptile found in various parts of the world. In the video, the marbled water monitor lizard is described as having a long tail and being a surprising sight for residents. The term is significant as it highlights the unexpected wildlife encounters in urban or residential areas, emphasizing the need for coexistence and conservation.

💡Venom

Venom refers to a toxic substance produced by animals, typically used for defense or to immobilize prey. In the script, there is a mention of the misconception that monitor lizards have venomous bites. This is clarified to be a misunderstanding, as the danger lies in the potential for infection due to bacteria in their mouths, not venom. The concept is important as it addresses common myths about wildlife and educates viewers on the actual risks.

💡Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native organisms that can cause harm to the local ecosystem. The script mentions Cane toads as an invasive species that poses a threat to native frogs. This keyword is crucial as it underscores the video's environmental message about the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and the importance of protecting native wildlife.

💡Habitat

A habitat is the natural environment in which a plant or animal lives. The video discusses the importance of returning animals to their natural habitats, such as releasing a monitor lizard back into the wild. This keyword is integral to the video's theme of wildlife conservation and the significance of preserving suitable living conditions for various species.

💡Defensive Mechanisms

Defensive mechanisms are strategies used by animals to protect themselves from predators or threats. The script describes how monitor lizards use their tails to defend themselves. Understanding these mechanisms is key to appreciating the survival tactics of wildlife and the video's broader narrative on animal behavior.

💡Endemic Species

Endemic species are those that are native and unique to a particular region or ecosystem. The video script refers to efforts to protect endemic frogs from invasive species. This keyword is essential as it highlights the video's focus on biodiversity and the unique flora and fauna that require conservation efforts.

💡Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an area, including the number of species and their genetic diversity. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining biodiversity, especially in the face of threats from invasive species. This keyword is central to the video's message about the balance of ecosystems and the need for conservation.

💡Natural Resources

Natural resources are elements found in nature that have value for humans or the environment. The script mentions the role of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in managing wildlife, indicating the importance of these resources in maintaining ecological balance. This keyword is relevant as it ties into the video's broader discussion on environmental stewardship.

💡Conservation

Conservation involves the protection and careful management of the environment and its resources. The video script discusses the release of a monitor lizard into a suitable environment, illustrating the practice of conservation. This keyword is vital as it encapsulates the video's central theme of protecting and preserving wildlife and their habitats.

💡Ecosystem

An ecosystem consists of all the living organisms and their physical environment in a particular area. The video script touches on how invasive species can disrupt ecosystems by affecting native species. This keyword is important as it helps viewers understand the interconnectedness of wildlife and their environments and the consequences of imbalances.

💡Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife encounters refer to unexpected meetings between humans and wild animals. The script describes several such encounters, including finding a monitor lizard in a chicken coop and frogs in a fountain. This keyword is significant as it illustrates the video's narrative of human-wildlife interactions and the challenges and surprises they can bring.

Highlights

A large and heavy monitor lizard was found in Bulacan, causing surprise to the residents.

The monitor lizard was captured and kept in a chicken coop, highlighting the unexpected coexistence of wildlife with human settlements.

The lizard's long tail and powerful build were described, emphasizing its impressive size and strength.

Residents were warned not to approach the lizard due to its potential to inflict a dirty bite, which could lead to infection.

The local government was involved in the lizard's capture, demonstrating community efforts in wildlife management.

The monitor lizard was released at a suitable site, showcasing responsible wildlife release practices.

A juvenile monitor lizard was found in San Pedro, Laguna, and was temporarily housed by a resident, indicating the occasional domestication of wild animals.

The lizard's curiosity and agility were noted, highlighting the natural behavior of these creatures.

An encounter with a potentially aggressive monitor lizard was described, underlining the need for caution when dealing with wildlife.

The importance of not harming or killing monitor lizards was emphasized, reflecting a conservationist perspective.

A large number of frogs were found in a fountain, suggesting an ecological imbalance or an overpopulation of a certain species.

The frogs' breeding habits were discussed, including their ability to lay thousands of eggs, which could impact local ecosystems.

The presence of invasive species, such as the Cane toad, was noted, posing a threat to native frog populations.

Efforts to protect native frogs and control invasive species were described, highlighting conservation initiatives.

The program 'Born to Be Wild' was mentioned, encouraging viewers to subscribe for more nature stories, indicating the educational value of the content.