DENR probes death of PH Eagle in Misamis Oriental

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Authorities are now looking into the death of a Philippine Eagle whose remains were found near an electrical post in Salay, Misamis Oriental.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Northern Mindanao said Saturday the remains of the bird was found in the morning of October 1 in Sitio Panghaon in Barangay Guinabalan.

“CENRO Gingoog City received a report from barangay officials at around 11:00 a.m. on October 1, after a farmer discovered the eagle at approximately 9:00 a.m. near a power line while visiting a nearby farm,” the DENR said in a statement.

“Based on information gathered during the field investigation, the eagle was reportedly last seen flying on September 30 between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.”

According to the DENR, the adult eagle has a 76-inch wingspan, with a 36-inch individual wing span, a 40.5-inch tail, and an estimated weight of 5.25 kilograms. Additionally, its bill measures around eight centimeters, or 3.18 inches long.

While there were no external wounds observed on the bird’s body, burn-like marks were observed on its feet. Authorities also said that the carcass was already emitting a foul smell, suggesting that it may have died some time before its discovery.

“Given these observations and the eagle’s proximity to an electrical post and power line, electrocution is being considered as a possible cause of death. The actual cause, however, remains subject to further examination and confirmation through necropsy,” the DENR said.

DENR Region X's Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) took custody of the eagle's remains and moved them to the Bukidnon Provincial Zoo in Malaybalay City for secure storage.

On October 2, the remains were handed over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to undergo a necropsy and further study.

The national bird of the Philippines, the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is considered as the top carnivore animal in the country. They are only found in Luzon, in the provinces of Leyte and Samar, and in Mindanao, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

The species is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has an estimated wild population of fewer than 400 breeding pairs.

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—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News