Following the tragic loss of Philippine Eagle "Uswag", several experts have expressed their support for the raptor reintroduction program in Leyte province.
During a media interview, Jayson Ibañez, PEF director of research and conservation, said experts from the Czech Republic and Germany are committed to supporting the Philippine Eagle reintroduction program in Leyte by training their staff on artificial insemination techniques for conservation breeding of eagles for release.
“They will also support a local and international training and internship program for eagle releases in Leyte, build local and regional capacity for species reintroduction and raptor medicine, and rescue and rehabilitation through training and scholarships,” Ibañez noted.
A group of experts also presented a talk at the University of the Philippines Tacloban College last September 27, which focused on the conservation efforts for threatened avian species in the modern world.
These included Dominik Fischer, curator for science, Der Grüne Zoo in Wuppertal, Germany; Jan Hanel, curator for birds of prey, Liberec Zoo in the Czech Republic; and Adela Hemelikova, head of research and conservation, also of Liberec Zoo.
“The talk is part of building local awareness about raptor conservation and also scoping for potential collaborators and partners,” Ibañez added. "Our international experts will discuss cutting-edge strategies to save apex predators and tackle emerging challenges in biodiversity conservation."
To recall, "Uswag," a Philippine Eagle that was released in the mountains of Burauen, Leyte last June, died after crash-landing off Cebu a month later, on July 30.
There were no signs that the Philippine Eagle was shot or injured before drowning based on examination.
“Uswag” is the 9th case of wild eagles accidentally crashing at sea in the country. However, he was the first reintroduced wild eagle and the first with a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device to crash.
(With report from PNA/OpinYon News Team)
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