Las Piñas resident discovers helpless Philippine Scops Owl in backyard

Another one was rescued in an abandoned school in Quezon City days ago.

A resident in Las Piñas recently discovered a helpless Philippine Scops Owl—a species found only in the country—soaked by rain in their backyard.

In a June 3 post, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Metropolitan Environmental Office said the bird was found in Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos.

“Dahil dito, agad na nagsagawa ng verification at retrieval operation ang MEO-South upang matiyak ang kaligtasan at wastong paghawak sa wildlife species,” the MEO said.

The agency later found that another resident had kept the owl in captivity for years before releasing it into the wild—without the required permit or certificate of wildlife registration. This is a violation of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

Officials warned that keeping wild animals as pets can harm their survival. According to the MEO, animals raised in captivity may lose their ability to hunt or adapt once released.

“Bukod dito, may posibilidad ding makapagdala ang mga ito ng sakit o kondisyon mula sa captivity na maaaring makaapekto sa wild population at sa balanse ng ecosystem,” it added.

The rescued owl has since been brought to the Biodiversity Management Bureau Wildlife Rescue Center for proper care.

In a separate incident days earlier, another Philippine Scops Owl was rescued in an abandoned school in Quezon City after reportedly being attacked by a dog.

The Philippine Scops Owl (Otus megalotis) is known for its distinct ear-like feather tufts and nocturnal behavior. While currently classified as a species of “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, it remains protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.