Mt. Matutum eyed as RP eagles’ new habitat

KORONADAL CITY — The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) is seriously considering the idea of developing the thickly forested Mt. Matutum in Tupi, South Cotabato as another habitat for the country’s national bird.

The government has declared Mt. Matutum, an active volcano considered the second highest peak in Mindanao, a forest and natural park.

Jayson Ibañez, coordinator of the PEF’s field research program, said the foundation found Mt. Matutum’s forests suitable for the preservation of the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga Jeffery).

Former President Fidel Ramos declared the Philippine eagle, formerly known as the monkey-eating eagle, the country’s national bird.

A presidential decree changed its name from monkey-eating eagle to Philippine eagle after it was learned that monkeys comprise an insignificant portion of its diet, which includes flying lemurs, squirrels, snakes, rodents and bats.

Ibañez said the PEF is considering Mt. Matutum because it is isolated and accessible in monitoring the eagles’ movements.

He said the foundation is planning to release captive-bred eagles in Mt. Matutum this June.

To properly track down and document the movements of the soon-to-be-released eagles, Ibañez said a monitoring station will be put up in the area.

"As of now, our efforts are focused on plans and possible activities, assessing and consulting the public and the concerned local government unit and other local stakeholders," he said.