Unusual Mortality of the Philippine Warty Pig (Sus philippensis Nehring, 1886) in Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park: A Call for Enhanced Biorisk Management for Protected Areas

Jhonnel P. Villegas, Merlita Luna-Tabamo, Jo Victoria Kristy R. Cruz, Ricksterlie C. Verzosa, Jayson C. Ibañez


Philippine warty pig Sus philippensis Nehring, 1886, is a Vulnerable speciesendemic to the Philippines. Its population is reportedly declining due toanthropogenic pressures, including deforestation, habitat loss, hunting, andreemerging infectious diseases. This research note provides information on theunusual mortality of seven warty pig individuals in different sites within Mt.Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP) in Bukidnon, Philippines, potentiallycaused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). This paper highlights the urgentneed to enhance biorisk management among protected landscapes across thecountry.

Keywords: Biorisk, Philippine warty pig, African swine fever, Mt. Kitanglad,Philippines


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