Philippine Eagle ‘Chick No. 30’ dies

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Eagle chick hatched via artificial insemination has died, the Philippine Eagle Foundation announced, in a fresh setback for one of the world’s largest and most critically endangered raptors.

The hatching of “Chick Number 30” last month briefly stirred hope that science and conservation could save the forest-dwelling raptor species, but expectations were soon dashed.

“This heartbreaking loss is a solemn reminder of how delicate chick-rearing can be and how critically endangered species are particularly vulnerable,” the Philippine Eagle Foundation said in a statement on its website.

Chick Number 30 was the first bird to have hatched at the new National Bird Breeding Sanctuary in Barangay Eden in Davao City.  The male chick was just 17 days old.

Philippine Eagles, known for their sumptuous head plumage and a seven-foot wingspan, are difficult to mate, with some even killing unwanted suitors. Habitat loss and hunting have caused a rapid decline in its population in the country.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao intercepted a number of undocumented birds, reportedly smuggled from Indonesia, Australia and New Guinea, during an operation in Barangay Pandaguitan, Governor Generoso town, Davao Oriental over the weekend.

Three Filipinos and two Indonesians were arrested and charged for violating Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Protection Act.