Conservationists in Leyte are celebrating the discovery of a nesting pair of endangered Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagles, a rare sight that has renewed hopes for wildlife protection efforts in Eastern Visayas.
The pair, locally known as South Philippine Hawk-Eagles, was found nesting near Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park in Burauen.
Biologists from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), together with forest guards and environment officials, confirmed the discovery after months of monitoring in the area.
The discovery became even more significant when researchers documented the successful hatching of a juvenile eagle earlier this year.
According to PEF biologist Tristan Senarillos, the eaglet has already begun “branching,” or moving from the nest to nearby branches, and recently completed its first short flight.
“This information is very important so we can better understand how to protect the species,” Senarillos said in reports.
The Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus pinskeri) is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Experts estimate that only 1,300 to 3,600 mature individuals remain in the wild. The species is found only in parts of the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, Samar, and Leyte.
Environmental officials said the nesting site lies outside the protected boundaries of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, making the birds more vulnerable to human activities such as farming and “kaingin” or slash-and-burn agriculture.
In response, the Protected Area Management Board approved several resolutions aimed at safeguarding the nesting area and strengthening long-term monitoring programs.
Warning signs have also been installed around the site to remind residents and visitors to avoid disturbing the birds during the breeding season.
Conservation groups fear that excessive noise and human activity could cause the adult eagles to abandon their nest.
Wildlife advocates described the discovery as an encouraging sign for biodiversity conservation in Leyte, which continues to recover from habitat destruction caused by deforestation and natural disasters over the years.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation said the successful monitoring of the hawk-eagle pair may help expand conservation work beyond the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and toward other threatened raptors in the country.
Experts hope the rare nesting event will encourage local communities to take a more active role in protecting forests and wildlife habitats for future generations.
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