A CRITICALLY endangered Philippine Eagle named “Mangayon” tragically died from a severe wing injury on July 8, 2024, despite rescue efforts.
Personnel of the 25th Infantry (Fireball) Battalion and indigenous leader Datu Kaloy Bayani found the injured eagle in Sitio Bermuda, Barangay Mangayon in Compostela, Davao de Oro.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the rescuers promptly alerted the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
The injured eagle was transported to the Compostela Municipal Hall, where a PEF rescue team led by Dominic Tadena and Rowell Taraya conducted an initial assessment.
The male eagle was unresponsive, underweight, dehydrated, and had a significant open wound on its left wing.
Despite efforts to stabilize Mangayon during transport to Davao City, the eagle’s condition deteriorated.
A medical examination revealed shattered bones in the left tarsal joints and a severe wound extending to the keel area, consistent with a gunshot injury. Tragically, Mangayon succumbed to his injuries and passed away at 9:49 p.m.
A necropsy confirmed that Mangayon was otherwise healthy, with blood loss and probable sepsis from the wing injury being the primary cause of death.
This incident marks the fourth eagle rescue in 2024 and the 20th since 2020, highlighting the alarming rate of these majestic birds falling victim to injuries, often due to human actions.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation calls for urgent government action to protect the critically endangered national bird.
PEF executive director Dennis Salvador emphasized the need for increased political will, financial investment, and a comprehensive national strategy to ensure the survival of the species.
“We urge the government to step up its efforts and take decisive action,” said Salvador. “The Philippine Eagle is a national treasure, and we must do everything in our power to protect it for future generations.”
The collaborative efforts of the Philippine Army, local government units, community leaders, and conservation organizations like the PEF underscore the importance of collective action in preserving the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and safeguarding its natural heritage.
