A critically endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX through its Community and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday, April 16.
Resident Nito Bigog found and rescued the Philippine Eagle at Barangay Bulacan, Siocon. According to the report, Bigog found the eagle trapped in the grassland and reported it immediately to Barangay Chairman Romeo Dumencil, who accompanied Bigog to CENRO Siocon despite the restrictions of the enhanced community quarantine mandated to the municipality.
The Eagle Watch Team of CENRO Siocon reported no signs of injury and the eagle looked to be in good health. It weighed around 3.5 kilograms and is now placed in an innovative cage for further observation and health assessment before it can be released back to the wild.
DENR IX Regional Executive Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez expressed her gratitude to Dumencil and Bigog, adding her appreciation for spending their time rescuing the bird in this time of crisis.
There are only an estimate of 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles in the wild and are listed as critically endangered, according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature.
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