8 Philippines scops owls rescued in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Eight Philippine scops owls including four juveniles were rescued in separate areas in this city during the first half of the year.

Following the rescue of the birds, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Cordilleras reminded residents to help protect the country’s endemic species and avoid unnecessary handling of wildlife.

The owls – named Ammay, Banni, Moji, Kasper, Joni, Jams, Gale and Gorgi – were turned over to the DENR-Cordilleras wildlife rescue center for proper care.

Most of the birds were active and healthy. They will be assessed properly before they are released back into the wild.

The owls were rescued on Aurora Hill as well as in Bakakeng Norte, Burnham Park, Camp 8 and Pinsao Proper. 

Environment officials said the presence of the owls in urban communities may be connected to the birds’ breeding cycle, availability of food and tree cover, and the increasing overlap between human settlements and natural habitats.

Juvenile owls can be mistaken for abandoned birds when they leave their nests before developing capability to fly, officials said.

During the fledgling stage, owls often stay on low branches or on the ground while learning to fly and hunt, although their parents are nearby to feed and protect them. 

The DENR said human intervention is necessary only when the birds are injured, orphaned or exposed to danger such as traffic and domestic animals.

Despite urban development, Baguio’s pine forests, wooded parks and tree-lined residential areas continue to provide habitat and food for the Philippine scops owls, which prey on insects, beetles, moths, lizards and rats.