DAVAO CITY; A female juvenile Philippine eagle was electrocuted in Sitio Panghaon, Barangay Guinalaban of Salay town, Misamis Oriental, on Wednesday morning.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Northern Mindanao, through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Gingoog City, is now investigating the death of a Philippine eagle found near an electrical post in Sitio Panghaon, Barangay Guinalaban, Salay, Misamis Oriental.
According to the agency’s Facebook page on Saturday, CENRO Gingoog City received a report from barangay officials on Wednesday morning that a farmer in the area discovered the eagle at around 9 a.m. perched near a power line while visiting a nearby farm.
Reports stated that CENR Officer Noe Calipusan, together with personnel from the CENRO Gingoog City Enforcement and Monitoring Section and the Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park (MBRNP), and Barangay Chair Wilfredo D. Banaag Jr., proceeded to the area to conduct a field investigation.
The eagle was measured and had an approximately 76-inch wingspan, with one wing measuring 36 inches, a 40.5-inch tail and weighing some 5.25 kilograms. Its bill measured approximately 3.18 inches, or eight centimetres, in length.
DENR reports added that the eagle showed no external wounds, but burn-like marks were observed on the bird’s feet.
Initial field investigation reports revealed that the eagle was last seen by residents flying between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sept. 30. The following morning, she was seen near the power line and was immediately reported to a barangay official.
The presence of chickens, chicks and a leashed hound near the electrical post was observed, according to DENR Northern Mindanao.
The eagle’s remains were turned over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) on Friday, Oct. 2, for necropsy and further examination.
DENR Northern Mindanao reminds the public that every wildlife report matters.
“The public is encouraged to immediately report sightings of Philippine eagles and other wildlife, particularly injured, distressed, or deceased animals, to the nearest DENR office or appropriate wildlife authorities. Prompt reporting allows authorities and conservation partners to conduct timely assessments, ensure proper handling of wildlife, and undertake appropriate conservation interventions,” the agency said. - Inquirer/ANN
