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Even though they look cute and nice to look at, stray cats pose a danger to the endemic species of wildlife in Mount Apo since they are natural hunters. How can this problem be addressed?
In the recent episode of “Born To Be Wild,” Doc Ferds Recio explained that the domestic cat or felis catus is not native to the Philippines.
Based on archeological and historical records, it is believed that domestic cats were introduced to the Philippines via the maritime trade network before the arrival of the Spaniards.
This was due to many sea vessels that carried cats who were used to scare off or control the rats onboard, and some of these felines became strays on land.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, feral cats have become a problem who prey on wildlife in the mountains.
“The cats are not supposed to be in this area. Ito, protected area ‘yan, maraming mga endemic species dito. They’re natural hunters. Baka mga iba diyan, hindi pa natin nado-document ma-extinct na sila,” said Doc Ferds.
(Maybe some of these that have not been documented may have gone extinct.)
A caretaker on Mt. Apo said there used to be many ground birds in the area but these disappeared due to the cats.
Atty. Heidi Marquez – Caguioa, President and Program Director ng Animal Kingdom Foundation, said, “Wala naman talaga tayong true feral cats in the Philippines. Itong mga cats na ito, either dala ng mga settlers or communities around Mount Apo. Since they are naturally also predators, at doon na nga sila nag-stay dahil napaka-rich ng biodiversity ng Mount Apo, kailangan meron po tayong programa to protect the wild and remove the unnatural predators in the area.”
(We don’t really have feral cats n the Philippines. These cats, they were either brought by settlers or are from communities around Mount Apo. Since they re also natural predators, and that they stay there due to the rich biodiversity of the mountain, we need a program that would protect the wild and remove the unnatural predators in the area.)
Adding to the risk is the capacity of cats to give birth two to three times in a year.
Based on the records of the Protected Area Management Office sa Mount Apo Natural Park, there are an estimated 30 cats spotted on the mountain.
Watch “Born To Be Wild” to see how Doc Ferds’ team caught two of these felines on Mount Apo. What would happen to them? Check the video to learn more. —RF, GMA News
