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Two Endangered Palawan Leopard Cat Kittens Rescued In Roxas
Photo credit: MENRO Roxas, Palawan
PALAWAN — Two endangered Palawan leopard cat kittens were safely rescued and turned over to authorities in Barangay Tagumpay, Roxas on Monday, February 23, 2026, after residents found them being threatened by a household dog.
The kittens, measuring about eight and seven inches long, were handed to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) with the help of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office. Locals refer to the species as “tamaral” or “maral.”
According to Wildlife Enforcement Officer Jonathan Padilla, he spoke with Conchita Zamora, whose husband first spotted the mother leopard cat on February 21.
Zamora recalled that their dog began barking nonstop, prompting them to check the area. There, they found the dog confronting an adult tamaral. Moments later, they discovered two kittens nearby.
Fearing the dog might injure the young animals, the family immediately secured the kittens and contacted the PCSD to report the incident.
By Monday, a team from the PCSD, along with personnel from the Roxas local government led by Pedy B. Sabando, went to the site to retrieve the rescued wildlife. Responders assessed the kittens and confirmed that both were in stable condition. They were then transferred to the PCSD DMD North Roxas office for proper care and continuous monitoring.
The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff emphasized that the Palawan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis heaneyi) is listed as an endangered species under PCSD Resolution 23-967 and is protected by Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Authorities thanked the Zamora family for immediately reporting the sighting and turning over the kittens, saying such cooperation is crucial to safeguarding Palawan’s fragile wildlife populations.
“Small actions like these show how our communities continue to protect and respect our wildlife,” the PCSD said.
The kittens, measuring about eight and seven inches long, were handed to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) with the help of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office. Locals refer to the species as “tamaral” or “maral.”
According to Wildlife Enforcement Officer Jonathan Padilla, he spoke with Conchita Zamora, whose husband first spotted the mother leopard cat on February 21.
Zamora recalled that their dog began barking nonstop, prompting them to check the area. There, they found the dog confronting an adult tamaral. Moments later, they discovered two kittens nearby.
Fearing the dog might injure the young animals, the family immediately secured the kittens and contacted the PCSD to report the incident.
By Monday, a team from the PCSD, along with personnel from the Roxas local government led by Pedy B. Sabando, went to the site to retrieve the rescued wildlife. Responders assessed the kittens and confirmed that both were in stable condition. They were then transferred to the PCSD DMD North Roxas office for proper care and continuous monitoring.
The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff emphasized that the Palawan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis heaneyi) is listed as an endangered species under PCSD Resolution 23-967 and is protected by Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Authorities thanked the Zamora family for immediately reporting the sighting and turning over the kittens, saying such cooperation is crucial to safeguarding Palawan’s fragile wildlife populations.
“Small actions like these show how our communities continue to protect and respect our wildlife,” the PCSD said.
Feb 24, 2026
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