Another PH eagle dead due to possible electrocution in Cotabato - DENR

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The death of another Philippine eagle was reported in Arakan, Cotabato, possibly due to electrocution, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Soccsksargen said.

The remains of the critically endangered bird were found on the morning of October 4 in Barangay Libertad. Authorities found electrical burn marks on its left wing and on its right talon.

“The eagle's carcass was directly turned over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) for necropsy to establish the exact cause of death. The examination is expected to determine whether electrocution was indeed responsible for the eagle's death and identify possible underlying injuries, infections, or other conditions that may not have been apparent during the initial assessment,” the DENR said.

It was only last October 1, the DENR Northern Mindanao reported that a Philippine eagle was found dead near an electrical post in Salay, Misamis Oriental. Authorities also observed burn-like marks on the bird’s talons.

For its part, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said that there should be efforts to retrofit powerlines as there have been incidents in the past of birds being trapped in electrical wires.

“Where dangerous configurations are identified, the utility should develop a schedule for bird-safe retrofitting, prioritizing lines that pass through or close to important eagle habitat,” it said.

“The goal should not be to wait for another eagle to die before making the next powerline safer,” said PEF.

“Bird-safe powerline design should become part of long-term infrastructure planning wherever electrical systems overlap with Philippine Eagle habitat.” —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News