TACLOBAN CITY - An endangered mature male Philippine deer (bugsok) was rescued by two fishermen while being chased by sharks in Lapinig, Northern Samar.
Dennis Ariño, Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist/Chief, Conservation and Development Section of the Community Environment and Natural Resources in Pambujan, Northern Samar, shared that two fishermen found the deer swimming in the coastal water of Lapinig on August 3 afternoon.
"Nakita siya sa unahan pa ng isang maliit na island (Canawayon Island) about 4 kms from the Poblacion. Paglapit nila may nakasunod sa deer na dalawang pating," Ariño said.
He added that the deer was exhausted from swimming but it was found to be in good health condition with only noticeable minor scratches on its antlers.
Ariño was surprised to see the deer in the waters because according to him, its habitat is not in lowlands particularly in coastal areas.He said that it is the first time that they have seen a Philippine deer in the area.
The deer measures 1.20 m in length and .80 m in height weighing roughly 30kgs. While they are known to be fast runners, they can also swim long distances at about 15mph up to 10 miles.
Their strong leg muscles and coat help them float, swim, and even cross oceans if needed to look for food or seek shelter.
Ariño said there are theories that it was able to escape from captivity but it did not come out in the course of their investigation with the Lapinig Municipal Station.
"Yung isang theory is disturbed po ang habitat nila sa forest. Sabi ni PCMSgt Juliata ng Lapinig MPS posible daw dahil sa madalas na encounter ng government troops and NPA. 'Yung sa akin naman baka migration ito result of climate change. Kapag migration po nakatakot 'yun," he explained.
According to Ariño, the local government of Lapinig opted to adopt the deer through their "Adopt a Wildlife Program."
"We are looking for a donor of a female deer for them to breed. Capable and qualified naman po ang LGU doon sa pag adopt," he said.
He noted that had they not been able to save the deer, it could have been sold at P300/kg.The Philippine deer is considered an endangered species under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09.