Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Phil. Eagle release underscores importance of Mt. Hamiguitan



DAVAO CITY- The recent release of a rehabilitated Philippine Eagle in Mt. Hamiguitan in the province of Davao Oriental is a testament of the mountain’s importance to biodiversity.

Dennis Salvador, director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation said choosing Mt. Hamiguitan as the eagle’s new home was it’s a sprawling protected area of 32,000 hectares made up of forests.  Also having been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it ideal as a wildlife haven without having to worry about human disturbance.

Salvador added that the communities’ heightened awareness,  local wildlife protection enforcement and local government commitment makes it as an ideal new home for Pamana, the name of the rescued eagle.

Pamana, was rescued in Iligan City in 2012 bearing two gunshot wounds, she was turned over to PEF and rehabilitated in the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City.

The fully-recovered eagle was set free on Independence Day (June 12) in Mt. Hamiguitan Range, celebrity television host and anchor Kim Atienza helped unlock the cage from which Pamana flew to her new home, the untouched forests of Hamiguitan.

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon said she welcomes the release of the eagle into her new home stating that there are about 10 Philippine Eagles nesting in the forests of the province.

 “The presence of the Philippine Eagle in practically all towns of the province is an indicator of the richness of biodiversity in the area,” the Governor said.

The Governor also reiterated the province’s commitment in securing the eagle as the local government is doing the necessary steps to improve protection efforts by regulating the entry of people and prohibiting mining and logging activities in Mt. Hamiguitan.

To monitor Pamana in her new home, the PEF has installed satellite and radio transmitters to follow her movements. (PIA/RG ALAMA)

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