Philippine Eaglet dies of electrocution

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A juvenile Philippine Eagle died of electrocution from a concrete power pole in the hinterlands of the town of Arakan, North Cotabato.

According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), the remains of the eaglet were found by a farmer a meter away from an electric post.

Its carcass was brought to Romeo Panawad, a volunteer forest guard, who then turned it over to the PEF. PEF plans to have the remains of eaglet preserved for educational and scientific purposes. 

The Philippine Eagle replaced the maya as the country’s national bird during the Ramos administration.

Based on examination by PEF veterinarian Ana Lascano, the eaglet had burn marks on its left wing and right footpad. The left wing also had a compound fracture while a hole about 1 cm in diameter was  found on the bird’s footpad.

Based on review of photos by electrical engineer Floro Baguec Jr. of the Apayao Province Engineering Office, the power pole the bird had come into contact with had a 200-volt “secondary line.”  

“The bird apparently came in contact with the two wires simultaneously, and the full voltage passing through its body caused its death,” Apayao said.

A resident in the area said several animals such as monkeys and palm civets had died of electrocution from the same power pole. Accidental electrocution had been the cause of death of many large eagles in the US and Europe.

“This is the second instance that a Philippine Eagle died of electrocution in Mindanao. The first case was a captive-bred bird release at Mt. Apo in 2004. With the increasing rural electrification projects close to eagle habitats, power companies need to install mitigation measures to prevent more wildlife casualties, especially in areas close to nature,” PEF executive director Dennis Salvador said.