Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte – A juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) was released back into the wild on November 21 at Mt. Sinai, Sergio Osmeña, through the efforts of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Piñan and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
The release was led by CENR Officer Adelaida R. Borja and MENR Officer John G. Fuerzas, following the eagle’s rescue and rehabilitation.
The eagle was discovered by Mrs. Nora S. Matias, a resident of Sitio Sicoco, Del Pilar, Piñan, after heavy rainfall on November 17. Concerned for the bird’s welfare, she immediately contacted CENRO Piñan personnel, who retrieved the bird on November 18.
Upon retrieval, the eagle was identified as a juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle by CENRO Piñan technical personnel. The bird was taken to the Provincial Veterinarian Office of Zamboanga del Norte for evaluation and treatment under the supervision of Dr. Sunday Dawn R. Bagatua. After thorough assessment, the eagle was deemed healthy and fit for release.
The Crested Serpent Eagle, listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), plays a vital role in maintaining the region’s biodiversity. Despite its current status, conservation measures remain essential to protect the species and its habitat.
In conjunction with the eagle’s release, CENRO Piñan and MENRO conducted a house-to-house information campaign in Barangay Sinai. The team distributed brochures promoting wildlife conservation, climate change adaptation, and ecological solid waste management as mandated by Republic Act 9003. The activity supported National Climate Change Consciousness Week, Clean Air Month, and National Environmental Awareness Month, reinforcing the importance of protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats.
The successful rescue and release underscore the significance of community involvement and inter-agency collaboration in wildlife conservation efforts.