Endangered eagle rescued in Benguet

BENGUET – Residents of Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet turned over a frail eagle to the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO)-Baguio on Thursday afternoon.

According to the residents, the eagle fell from a tree and was very weak. They tried to feed it, but it refused to eat.

According to CENRO Baguio, the eagle is a common buzzard eagle, a bird that originated in Japan.

“Endangered na yung ganung eagle. Usually ang mga kinakain nun, worms, rats, snakes,” said Glea Lagon, a senior forest management specialist in CENRO-Baguio.

The CENRO brought the eagle to Benguet State University Veterinary Hospital.

“Nung tinignan namin, wala naman siyang sugat, nanghihina lang siya, tapos tinry namin nang tinry, nag-perch naman siya sa branch na iniligay namin sa cage,” said Dr. Janice Penchon, the hospital's resident veterinarian.

The eagle regained its strength after it was given vitamin B complex.

On the same afternoon, the eagle was released in Mt. Cabuyao in Sto. Tomas, Tuba, Benguet.

Last month, a brahminy kite eagle, which is also endangered was released in the area. It was also found in a weak condition in Itogon, Benguet.

According to CENRO Baguio, this could be the effect of diminishing forests in Itogon because of deforestation.