Philippine Eagle pair lands in Singapore

PHOTO FROM SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

DAVAO CITY—A pair of Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) landed in Singapore on Tuesday afternoon just as the country kicks off its Philippine Eagle Week here, officials said.

The pair would stay in captivity in the tiny rich state for 10 years, a term that could be extended upon the parties’ agreement, Lace Viojan, Philippine Eagle Foundation education officer, said.

“This is a backup plan because we have only one breeding facility in the country,” she said.

Dennis Salvador, PEF executive director, named the raptors brought to Singapore as Sambisig, a 17-year old female, and Geothermica, 15, male.

The raptors loaned to Singapore are among those bred in captivity at the Philippine Eagle Center in Calinan district here. They will be housed at the Jurong Bird Park there.

There are 31 Philippine eagles remaining at the center to date, Viojan said.

Considered as one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, the Philippine eagle is classified as a critically endangered species. The country celebrates Philippine Eagle’s week from June 4 to 10.