DENR probing death of Phl eagle in Misamis

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now investigating the death of a male Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in Misamis Oriental last Oct. 11, barely two months after it was released back into the wild following a two-year rehabilitation.

The DENR, through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), is seeking the help of the public in determining who shot the eagle, which was found on Mt. Lumot in Gingoog City by members of the Davao-based Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

The eagle, according to the PAWB, was identified as Minalwang, which the PEF released in the Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park, also in Gingoog, only last Aug. 15, after being rehabilitated for two years following its rescue in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

The PEF was alerted on the eagle’s condition after the satellite transmitter attached to it to track its movements stopped sending feedback.

PAWB director Theresa Mundita Lim said the DENR community is “extremely saddened” by Minalwang’s death.

“This is another blow for us, especially for our conservation program where we have been trying so hard to perpetuate the existence of our ‘haring ibon (bird king),’” Lim said.

The Philippine eagle, once called by American aviator Charles Lindbergh as “the world’s noblest flier,” is considered as a critically endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

There are an estimated 500 pairs of Philippine eagles in the wild, and less than 50, including those bred in captivity or being rehabilitated, are in the custody of the PEF and DENR.