Eagle nursed back to health found dead from bullet in Mindanao forest

The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) www.philippineeagle.org

MANILA, Philippines – “Minalwang,” a male Philippine eagle released back into the wild after a two-year rehabilitation, was found dead in the forest of Mt. Lumot in Misamis Oriental,  two months after it was set free by wildlife authorities.

The raptor had apparently been felled by a bullet, an official in charge of wildlife conservation at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said Saturday.

Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Director Theresa Mundita Lim said the DENR community was “extremely saddened” by Minalwang’s death.

“This is another blow for us, especially for our conservation program where we have been trying so hard to perpetuate the existence of our ‘haring ibon’ (king of birds),” Lim said in a news release.

The PAWB sought the help of the public in investigating Minalwang’s death.

The eagle’s remains were found on October 11 on Mount Lumot on the outskirts of Gingoog City by members of the Davao-based Philippine Eagle Foundation.

The PEF released Minalwang into the Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park, also near Gingoog City, last August 15, after it had undergone  rehabilitation for two years.

Two years ago, the wounded eagle was rescued in Barangay (village) Minalwang in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, by DENR personnel after receiving reports from local tribesmen, the PAWB said.

Minalwang’s release into the wild in August was met with fanfare by the PEF, the DENR and PAWB, the Gingoog City government, and representatives of tribal leaders and local officials supporting the protection, conservation and monitoring of the world’s second-largest bird of prey.

The PEF tracked the eagle down after the satellite transmitter attached to its back stopped sending signals.

The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), once described by American aviator Charles Lindbergh as “the world’s noblest flier,” is categorized as a critically endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Only an estimated 500 pairs remain in the wild, and fewer than 50, including those that have been bred in captivity or are being rehabilitated, are in the custody of the PEF and the DENR.

The Philippine eagle, as with all other wildlife, is protected under Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Under the law, a person who kills wildlife could be imprisoned for 6  to 12 years and fined from P100,000 to P1 million.

Lim said PAWB was waiting for a necropsy report to be submitted by the PEF, which was conducting a probe supported by field personnel from the DENR.