2 RP eagles released in Bukidnon

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – Two Philippine eagles were released to the wild recently in Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon province.

Philippine Eagle Foundation executive director Dennis Salvador said eagles Hineleban and Kalabugao were fitted with transmitters that would determine their location and movement.

“The release went well as the two birds were first placed inside an aviary and then Hineleban was released, followed by Kalabugao. The two stayed awhile perched on a tree before they flew off,” the PEF chief said.

Hineleban is a two-year old captive eagle while Kalabugao is a rescued bird, hence its age still could not be exactly determined.

Salvador said the experimental release of the two eagles forms part of the continuing program to protect the natural habitat of the giant raptor.

The release of the eagles also marked the covenant signing of leaders of the seven tribes in Bukidnon, each one committing to protect not only the two released birds but the entire eagle population in Bukidnon. The covenant was supported by Unifrutti Corp., which also adopted eagle Hineleban.

“With this covenant of support from the people of Bukidnon, we are hopeful that the eagle population will thrive and that this will be taken up as an example of a community rallying behind the protection of the environment,” Salvador said.

At present there are less than 1,000 Philippine eagles in the wild, found mostly in the forests of Mindanao, Samar and Leyte.

The PEF has embarked on a captive-breeding program aimed at increasing the population of the already endangered species.

Salvador said the PEF has also actively been pursuing community education programs in localities near the known natural habitats of the giant raptor.

“Much depends on these communities. The key to the sustainability of the habitat of the Philippine eagle lies in these communities,” Salvador added.