Rescued Philippine Eagle not attacked by monkeys?

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Eagle rescued at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad Range in Bukidnon on July 3 was not attacked by monkeys, a necropsy report released yesterday showed.

According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the examination on the raptor after its death on July 18 showed no fresh wounds that would have indicated a monkey attack. The PEF veterinarians noted that an attack would likely have left fresh injuries.

“The initial necropsy found no evidence of new external trauma or internal bleeding,” the PEF said, contradicting claims that the eagle had recently survived a violent monkey attack.

The examination also revealed that the eagle, named Sawaga-Dalwangan, had a thickened and unusually firm heart, enlarged liver and a greatly enlarged stomach filled with compacted prey fur.

PEF said its findings have not yet established the exact cause of death.

The rescuer, a 21-year-old farmer, claimed that he found Sawaga-Dalwangan being attacked by monkeys. He said he intervened and drove the attackers away.

PEF said Sawaga-Dalwangan died on July 18 after suddenly experiencing seizures. Despite emergency intervention, the raptor could not be revived.

During rehabilitation, veterinarians treated the eagle for severe maggot infestation, dehydration, worn and soiled feathers and old injuries, which include two airgun pellets lodged inside its body.

Veterinarians said the combination of dehydration, damaged plumage, soiled feathers and the advanced stage of maggot infestation indicated that the bird had been grounded and unable to move for several days before it was rescued.

“We understand that many people followed Sawaga-Dalwangan’s recovery and shared our hope that she would survive,” PEF said in a statement. “Her death is a painful reminder of the serious threats Philippine eagles continue to face and of the importance of preventing shooting, trapping and other harm to wildlife.”

Dennis Salvador, PEF executive director, said the foundation would continue pursuing all legal avenues to identify those responsible for harming the eagle.