THE PHILIPPINE Eagle Foundation (PEF) announced the recent release of the Philippine eagle “Nariha Kabugao” back into the wild last April 12 after it was caught accidentally with a nylon noose and found with three airgun bullets beneath its skin in Barangay Bulu, Kabugao.
The accident happened last March 16 but the rescued eagle was reported on March 18 to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and on March 19 at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.
After tests conducted by provincial veterinarians in Apayao, PEF noted in a statement that “The eagle had its left shank (leg) inflamed with slight hematoma (a localized bleeding outside of blood vessels, due to either disease or trauma), ruffled feathers which are signs of stress, a prominent “brood patch” (an indication that the eagle is female and may be incubating an egg or brooding an eaglet when captured), and larvae of flies at its groin area.”
It also stated that “no bone fractures were noted” and tested negative after a series of lab tests for Avian Flu and New Castle’s Disease.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the eagle was also observed to be “critically endangered” with a solar-powered GPS-GSM tracker installed on her backpack style before her release.
The event was attended by dignitaries from DENR-CAR’s regional executive director:
Engr. Paquito T. Moreno, Biodiversity Management Bureau director ASec. Marcial Amaro, provincial governor Elias Bulut Jr., representative of the Sole District of Apayao Lea Bulut-Bagtang, municipal vice mayor of Kabugao Fabby Tucjang, Philippine Eagle Foundation executive director and director for operations Dennis Salvador and Dr. Jayson Ibañez, and Born to Be Wild TV host Dr. Nielsen Donato.
Nariha, which means “maganda,” in Isnag is a female Philippine eagle.
Photos & Video: PEF Biologist Ma. Susana Legaspi.
