PIAGAPO, Lanao del Sur — A white-coated Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), also known as ‘Musang’, was recently rescued at Baragay Liniding, Piagapo, by the Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Office of Lanao del Sur on March 11.

Following the rescue mission of the said office, an intervention for safe transfer was facilitated. The species was transferred to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Lanao del Sur for a thorough examination.

Meanwhile, the rescue team then found out that the ‘Musang’ was in good condition. It is currently housed in the Animal Rescue Center at PVO, ensuring its well-being and eventual release back into its natural habitat. The examination was led by Veterinarian Al-Hussein O. Domaot.

‘Musangs’ or ‘Toddy Cats’ are animals with a catlike appearance and are mostly nocturnal. They normally inhabit tropical forests. They are also omnivores, utilizing fruits such as berries and pulpy fruits as a major food source, and thus help maintain tropical forest ecosystems via seed dispersal.

The rescue team, led by PENRE Officer Asmarie Labao and Senior Ecosystem Management Specialist Ameer Hussein Abbas, undertook the rescue mission.

Furthermore, ‘Musangs’ are of least concern because of their wide contribution, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, their habitats are getting progressively smaller caused by factors including illegal logging. Hence, MENRE has been neutralizing illegal logging hotspots in the region. There has also been an effort to plant trees, pursuant to the Integrated Bangsamoro Greening Program of the Ministry, which may contribute to the restoration of their natural habitat.