NORTH COTABATO , Philippines – Local veterinarians failed to save a Philippine eagle that was shot and wounded last week by a still unidentified hunter in Magpet town in this province, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported Andrew Patricio, DENR provincial chief, said the eagle that they turned over to the raptor sanctuary of the Philippine eagle Foundation in Davao City over the weekend succumbed to three pellet wounds fired from an airgun.
Local farmer Joven Amacin found the wounded Philippine eagle (scientific name Pithecophaga Jefferyi). The bird was so weak and disoriented when it was discovered in a forest in Barangay Amabel in Magpet.
Amacin immediately turned over the eagle to Magpet local officials who facilitated the bird’s transport to the DENR office in Kidapawan City.
Magpet police chief Senior Inspector Reilan Mamon said barangay officials are now assisting investigators to identify who shot the eagle.
The town is located at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, which is covered with rainforests and wild animals that include rare Philippine eagles and other bird species.