A Philippine deer made a surprise appearance in the Philippine island of Marinduque, prompting environmental authorities to issue an appeal to residents to help take care of the endangered animal.

Thought to have disappeared or “presumed absent” in the island for more than 15 years, the Rusa Marianna is endemic to the Philippines.

The Philippine deer is considered a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is declared “endangered” by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“The reappearance of the Philippine deer in our area is proof that our nature continues to survive and has the ability to recover if we take care of it,” the local DENR office said.

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“The Philippine deer is an important part of our ecosystem. They help maintain the balance in our forests and natural resources. They are also known to be gentle and non-aggressive, and in recent times have been seen more often in communities, even in households and near roads,” it added.

Relatively small, the Philippine deer has a sturdy build and coarse, brown hair. Adults have a head-and-body length of 100 to 150 centimetres (39 to 59 inches) and a shoulder height of 55 to 70 cm (22 to 28 inches).

It has a weight of between 40 to 60 kg. Adult bucks (males) have short, slender, three-tined antlers that typically measure 16-40 cm.

They are nocturnal and cautious, and adept at navigating dense rainforests and mountainous terrain.

The DENR, however, reminded residents that the deer remain part of the living wilderness (wildlife) that must be respected and protected.

Online experts

Videos and photos of an adult male deer posted online over the weekend were greeted with delight not just by environmentalists but by many netizens.

Aside from overjoyed comments, many Filipinos have reposted the videos and photos, mainly on the country’s number one social media platform Facebook.

The sighting’s popularity, however, has given rise to some terrible and ignorant online comments, meant or otherwise.

A comment pointed out that venison (deer meat) is delicious while another suggested that the deer should be captured and put in a zoo, “so many would be able to see it.”

The DENR was quick to issue caution against such wayward comments, saying the animal is a proud asset that reflects the rich biodiversity of the Philippines.

“[W]e strongly urge the public not to approach, feed, chase, capture, harm, or kill the animal,” the agency said.

It also asked motorists to drive slowly on roads where the wildlife may cross and residents to avoid any activity that may damage their habitat.

The DENR also asked residents to report incidents, sightings, or illegal activities against wildlife to government authorities.

Under Philippine protection laws, capturing, possession and harming wildlife carries the penalty of up to six years imprisonment.