Two raptors were recently rescued and turned over to authorities in separate incidents in Mindanao, highlighting ongoing wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
A Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis) was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12’s Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, after being retrieved by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Tacurong. A concerned villager initially rescued the raptor in Barangay Chua, Bagumbayan, and reported the incident to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) on February 4.
Upon examination by the CENRO Tacurong Protected Areas, Wildlife, and Biodiversity Unit, the hawk-eagle was found to be weak due to lack of food but showed no signs of injury. It was immediately turned over to the RWRC for proper care and further assessment. The raptor will be released into the wild once it receives clearance from the resident veterinarian.
Meanwhile, a juvenile Philippine Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis holospilus) was successfully released back into the wild on February 10 after being found trapped in a net while attempting to prey on a domesticated chicken at Sitio Ambag, Barangay Tagbac, Magpet. Personnel from the Protected Area Management Office – Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP-PAMO) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cotabato retrieved the bird and brought it to the Kidapawan City Veterinary Office.
Dr. Jessa Dell A. Ramonde, DVM, conducted a thorough examination and determined that the eagle was in good health and fit for immediate release. The bird weighed 0.6 kilograms and had a wingspan of 116.84 centimeters.
PENRO Cotabato emphasized the crucial role of raptors like the serpent-eagle in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent and small animal populations. Authorities urged the public to report wildlife encounters to ensure the proper rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of these important species.