Endemic Philippine scops owl rescued from abandoned school in Quezon City

An injured Philippine scops owl was retrieved by environmental officials in Barangay West Triangle after a local dog found the nocturnal bird on an abandoned campus.

A Philippine Scops Owl, a rare owl species found only in the Philippines, was rescued after being discovered inside an abandoned school in Quezon City.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Metropolitan Environmental Office (MEO)-East quickly responded after receiving a report from a barangay personnel regarding the owl found in Barangay West Triangle.

According to the report, the owl was discovered inside an abandoned school along T. Benitez Street after it was reportedly caught by a dog. Authorities immediately conducted a retrieval operation and successfully rescued the bird.

The owl was later identified as a Philippine Scops Owl (Otus megalotis), an endemic species native to the country known for its distinct ear-like feather tufts and nocturnal behavior.

After the rescue, the owl was given initial care before being turned over to the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Wildlife Rescue Center for further examination, rehabilitation, and proper disposition.

While the Philippine Scops Owl is currently classified as a species of “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, it remains protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade of wildlife species.

DENR-NCR emphasized that incidents like this highlight the growing impact of urbanization on wildlife and the importance of preserving natural habitats even within highly developed cities.

The agency also underscored the need for quick coordination between government offices and local communities whenever wildlife encounters occur.

DENR encouraged the public to immediately report injured or displaced wild animals to authorities to ensure their proper rescue, protection, and safe handling.