PH eagle Uswag found dead a month after release due to suspected drowning | ABS-CBN
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PH eagle Uswag found dead a month after release due to suspected drowning
PH eagle Uswag found dead a month after release due to suspected drowning
Uswag’s tragic death is believed due to an accidental crash landing on the sea. Photo from the Philippine Eagle Foundation
Uswag’s tragic death is believed due to an accidental crash landing on the sea. Photo from the Philippine Eagle FoundationMANILA — Philippine eagle "Uswag" was found dead in the waters off Ponson Island in Pilar, Cebu on Saturday, just one month after it was released in the wild as part of species reintroduction project in eastern Visayas.
MANILA — Philippine eagle "Uswag" was found dead in the waters off Ponson Island in Pilar, Cebu on Saturday, just one month after it was released in the wild as part of species reintroduction project in eastern Visayas.
Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) director for operations Dr. Jayson Ibanez first received the GPS readings last July 30 that prompted the team to fly to Tacloban City the next day for the search and recovery operation.
Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) director for operations Dr. Jayson Ibanez first received the GPS readings last July 30 that prompted the team to fly to Tacloban City the next day for the search and recovery operation.
The search operation started off in Baybay shoreline in Leyte where the team spent a total of 14 hours, covering 700 hectares of seas. The next day, the PEF team traveled to Cuatro Islas, which was located southwest of the last GPS fix. However, they still failed to locate the eagle.
The search operation started off in Baybay shoreline in Leyte where the team spent a total of 14 hours, covering 700 hectares of seas. The next day, the PEF team traveled to Cuatro Islas, which was located southwest of the last GPS fix. However, they still failed to locate the eagle.
On the fourth day of the search, the team went to Ponson Island in Pilar, Cebu, and finally, a Coast Guard personnel found Uswag's body, which was starting to decompose, floating in the sea together with a debris of sea grass and algae.
On the fourth day of the search, the team went to Ponson Island in Pilar, Cebu, and finally, a Coast Guard personnel found Uswag's body, which was starting to decompose, floating in the sea together with a debris of sea grass and algae.
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PEF said that based on the X-ray examination, all the bones of the body were intact and had no signs of fracture nor trauma.
PEF said that based on the X-ray examination, all the bones of the body were intact and had no signs of fracture nor trauma.
"The veterinarians’ over-all impression is that there was no anomaly evident in the bird’s carcass," PEF said in an official statement.
"The veterinarians’ over-all impression is that there was no anomaly evident in the bird’s carcass," PEF said in an official statement.
"Over-all, there was no visible evidence of shooting, trauma nor bodily injury and other anomalies. The cause of death is suspected to be drowning," PEF added.
"Over-all, there was no visible evidence of shooting, trauma nor bodily injury and other anomalies. The cause of death is suspected to be drowning," PEF added.
The PEF said Uswag’s death is believed due to an accidental crash landing on the sea, possibly due to rains brought about by the southwest monsoon.
The PEF said Uswag’s death is believed due to an accidental crash landing on the sea, possibly due to rains brought about by the southwest monsoon.
"He was healthy and fit and there were evidence based on field observations that he has already hunted successfully in the wild during the first few days after his release. Sadly, perhaps because of the rains and winds brought about by the southwest monsoon, eagle Uswag lost his flight bearings and got sucked in towards the sea," PEF said.
"He was healthy and fit and there were evidence based on field observations that he has already hunted successfully in the wild during the first few days after his release. Sadly, perhaps because of the rains and winds brought about by the southwest monsoon, eagle Uswag lost his flight bearings and got sucked in towards the sea," PEF said.
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Accidental crashing is not uncommon for these critically endangered birds, with this being the 9th recorded incident of a Philippine eagle crash-landing at sea since 1984.
Accidental crashing is not uncommon for these critically endangered birds, with this being the 9th recorded incident of a Philippine eagle crash-landing at sea since 1984.
Based on PEF records, there were eight cases of immature eagles found floating on water. All except one of these cases were alive when rescued by fishermen.
Based on PEF records, there were eight cases of immature eagles found floating on water. All except one of these cases were alive when rescued by fishermen.
The PEF said it would further investigate and explore mapping and modelling of topography, wind patterns, and other climate parameters at these crash sites to assess risks.
The PEF said it would further investigate and explore mapping and modelling of topography, wind patterns, and other climate parameters at these crash sites to assess risks.
Uswag and its partner Carlito were released in Burauen, Leyte last June 28, under the Species Reintroduction Project, as the population of the critically endangered national birds were wiped out in the province during Super typhoon Yolanda.
Uswag and its partner Carlito were released in Burauen, Leyte last June 28, under the Species Reintroduction Project, as the population of the critically endangered national birds were wiped out in the province during Super typhoon Yolanda.
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