On Wednesday a severed young eagle was found with a severe injury to its left wing and needed to have it amputated according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
A report was received on August 31 that a young raptor was found wounded with its wing broken in the Bagalbal forest of the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park in Valencia City.
Kalatungan II was the name of the Eagle and it was said to be six to seven months old and “has just begun flying out of its nest and is still learning how to fly long distances.” It was found in the forest by the Bantay Lasang Volunteers, who heard it calling and making loud calls apparently begging for food from its parents.
According to the PEF, “The wound and shattered wing bone might suggest a hard fall accident as the young eagle is still starting to learn how to fly. However, the multiple fracture wound strongly suggests blunt force trauma caused by shooting too,”
The said raptor was injured one to two days before it was found. It was dehydrated, emaciated and also hungry.
Its wing was amputated due to necrosis or death of body tissues. A parasite was also found in its wings.
“X-ray results confirmed that the bones of the left wing were broken and shattered. However, no bullets, pellets or foreign objects were detected,” they added.
After it begins to recover, the eagle will be relocated to the quarantine facility at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City.
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mt. Kalatungan Protected Area Management Office is investigating the incident.
They are also set to join forces with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police for the investigation.
“It cannot thrive in the wild due to the loss of one of its wings,” in a text message of PEF as the Eagle will be in their permanent care.
They also added that the Eagle may mostly participate in their conservation breeding program when it reaches the age of sexual maturity.
According to the Union for Conservation of Nature, there are only 400 pairs of Philippine Eagle that are remaining in the wild, meaning it is classified as a critically endangered species.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine Eagle Foundation