Three eagles were reintroduced in Leyte Island by the Philippine Eagle Foundation through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and will be released to the wilds within two to three months. (Photo: PIA Leyte)
BURAUEN, Leyte (PIA) — The majestic calls of the Philippine eagle, the country’s national bird, will resonate once again in the mountains of Leyte.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation recently turned over three eagles to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for release into the Mahagnao natural forest conservation area in Burauen, Leyte.
The three eagles, named Lyra Sinabadan, Lakpue and Kalatungan I, were transported by land from the National Bird Sanctuary in Davao to Leyte. This historic occasion is seen as a significant step in returning the Philippine eagle to its natural habitat.
The release also aims to revive the raptor’s declining population and establish a breeding population in Leyte.
Dr. Jayson Ibañez, Philippine Eagle Foundation director for operations, said a modified soft-release technique, based on best practices for similar eagle species overseas, is being implemented to prevent a recurrence of the 2024 incident when Philippine eagle Uswag accidentally drowned at sea weeks after its release.
“We are implementing cohort bonding and site bonding. They are being acclimatized before they are released into the wild. This is to make them stay within the area after their release,” Ibañez said.
The three birds are expected to be released between May and June after being acclimatized at Cagbana village inside Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park in Burauen town.
Despite being a surplus in the Mindanao eagle population, each bird has a unique history.
Lakpue was rescued as a chick from poachers. He remains fiercely wild and is ready to fly again. He will be introduced as a mate to Carlito, one of two eagles released in Burauen town last year. The hope is they will both establish themselves in the Leyte forest.
Lyra Sinabadan was found weak and wounded in Bukidnon, shot by poachers. After being nursed back to health, she is ready for release.
Kalatungan I, another air gun survivor rescued last year, was too young to breed. The foundation hopes to pair him with Lyra Sinabadan as a companion, creating a bond where they live together without mating. This social companionship will encourage them to remain within their release site.
“These majestic birds represent the fragility and strength of the country’s ecosystem. Their survival depends on the protection of our forests, and every effort we make to conserve this species is a direct investment in preserving the delicate balance that sustains life,” said Arturo Salazar, DENR-8 regional executive director.
Local residents in Mahagnao consider the Philippine eagle more than just a species; it is a symbol of the nation’s resilience. With the reintroduction of the three eagles, their calls will once again echo in the mountains of Leyte.
Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park has rich biodiversity and a well-protected habitat, providing an ideal environment for the birds’ survival, including ample prey, safe nesting sites and a supportive ecosystem. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
