Critically endangered Philippine Eagle rescued in Apayao

An injured Philippine Eagle was rescued and nursed back to health by a composite team of wildlife experts in Apayao on March 19, 2024. PHOTOS FROM THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE FOUNDATION

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Eagle which was discovered to have been shot by an air gun was rescued after being caught in a nylon noose trap in Apayao, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) reported on Sunday. 

According to the PEF, the eagle, which they called “Kabugao,” was accidentally ensnared by farmer Ariel Silaw with a trap intended for catching wild pigs in the forests of Mt. Mabagyaw on March 16.

READ: Courtship of Philippine eagle pair captured on film

Silaw then reported the incident to the local city environment and natural resources office on March 18, leading to the animal’s rescue a day later.

Docile

“The bird was docile and did not resist capture, which indicates that the eagle is weak and might be in pain. The team brought the distressed eagle (to) Laoag City for X-ray, medical assessment and temporary rehabilitation,” PEF’s report read. 

The team was composed of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Local Governments of Apayao and Kabugao, the non-profit Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and concerned citizens, the foundation said in the same report. 

After undergoing an x-ray procedure, it was revealed that three air gun bullets were lodged underneath Kabugao’s skin. 

X-ray reveals three air gun bullets lodged underneath Kabugao’s skin.

“The absence of fresh entry wounds suggest(s) that the bird was shot a considerably long time ago. Fortunately, no bone fractures were noted,” PEF added. 

It also said that the eagle had an inflamed left leg, ruffled feathers which indicate stress, a noticeable “brood patch” indicating it’s likely female and may be incubating an egg or tending a young chick when caught, and maggots and flies around its lower abdomen. 

Following a health assessment and initial treatment, the critically endangered eagle was temporarily kept caged in a private residence in Laoag City under the care of PEF Biologist, Ma. Susana Legaspi. 

READ: Eagles thrive in forests guarded by Bukidnon tribe

Quick recovery

“Remarkably, the bird showed signs of quick recovery even while in Laoag City. From a generally docile bird during its rescue, the bird increasingly became active and aggressive. From an admission weight of 5.75 kg right after its rescue, the bird’s weight increased to 6.0 kg by the time it was transported to Brgy. [Barangay] Bulu for its full rehabilitation,” the PEF report continued. 

During its stay in Laoag from March 19 to 25, the eagle showed remarkable signs of recovery and the swelling at its left leg has subsided, the foundation noted. 

On March 26,  a more suitable rehabilitation pen was completed and the eagle was transferred to Laoag City to Brgy. Bulu in the province of Apayao where it was monitored daily by PEF staff and other personnel from the DENR. 

At present, PEF said that Kabugao has fully recovered and is set to be released to her suspected territory on April 12.