A 9-foot reticulated python was safely turned over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Kabankalan City through the ongoing conservation efforts of Central Philippines State University (CPSU).

The python initially captured in Sitio Mainit after reportedly consuming a kid (young goat) owned by a local farmer, was captured by a resident, Mr. Dodoy Camral, who coordinated with the CPSU authorities for assistance.

Responding promptly, CPSU University President Aladino C. Moraca, together with the Production Enterprise and Development Office (PEDO) personnel, Mr. Arnel Calago, and Research and Development Services Project Assistant, Pierre Gabriel San Jose, took the Python in temporary custody and followed proper wildlife handling protocol.

It is important to note that the python was gently restrained by the farmers as a precautionary measure, and prior to its formal turnover, the CPSU team consulted Mr. Pierre Francis San Jose of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) for guidance.

Following his advice, the team contacted CENRO-Kabankalan for the official handover of the reptile and on this accord the python was safely delivered to the CENRO Office headed by For. Fred Canto.

The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is one of the longest snake species in the world found in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, and although non-venomous, it is a powerful constrictor that plays an important ecological role in controlling rodent and small mammal populations.

While encounters with humans are rare, habitat disturbances caused by deforestation, farming expansion, and environmental degradation have increased the likelihood of wildlife entering human communities in search of food or space.

As an area where some remnants of forest still thrive although most of the vicinity is now a fragmented forest, Sitio Mainit is still home to diverse wildlife species—this case being a clear reminder of the importance of habitat protection and the need for stronger wildlife protocols at the grassroots level.

CPSU’s conservation effort goes beyond wildlife rescue as it is leading multiple biodiversity and environmental programs and assessment across the Southern Negros Occidental including, “Monitoring for Natural Resources Conservation (MoNaRC) Phase 1” which involve Avian Species Assessment.

MoNaRC Phase 2 is coming around the corner and will be focusing on reptile, tree and medicinal plant species as the main subject of the study, having environmental education campaigns, community-based training, and the production of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials as objectives.

CPSU has also strengthened its inter-agency partnership with DENR, LGUs, and the provincial government through PEMO, and local stakeholders to promote the peaceful coexistence of humans and wildlife.

With support from the faculty, students, and researchers, the university ensures that science-based knowledge is introduced to the ground, where it matters most.

Moreover, the university commends Mr. Camral and the residents of Sitio Mainit for their calm and responsible response; this incident reflects a shift toward community-based conservation, where people no longer see wildlife as threats but as part of a shared ecosystem.

CPSU urges the public that if a wild animal is encountered, the best course of action is to remain calm, secure pets and livestock, avoid harming the animal, and contact local authorities or CPSU’s Wildlife and Biodiversity Team.

The university believes that conservation becomes more sustainable and inclusive by empowering communities with the right knowledge and support—its belief deeply rooted in upholding environmental and agricultural education, and in embracing its role as a steward of biodiversity as a bridge between science and society.

The successful turnover of the reticulated python is more than just an isolated incident; it is a strong statement of how compassion, awareness, and collaboration can protect both people and wildlife, and with its ongoing advocacy and partnerships, CPSU envisions a future where humans and nature coexist in harmony and where conservation becomes not only a responsibility but a shared culture in the community.

Article written by: Pierre Gabriel San Jose (CPSU Research and Development Services Office)
Edited by: CPSU Public Information Office
Photos owned by: CPSU Research and Development Services Office, CENRO Kabankalan City