Renewed calls for increased enforcement and wildlife protection following shooting of Philippine eagle

The recent fatal shooting of a critically endangered Philippine eagle has sparked outrage and calls for greater protection of this iconic apex predator, which also happens to be the national bird of the Philippines. The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) reported the death of the eagle named Mangayon, who was found injured in the mountains of Davao de Oro province in the southern Philippines. Despite efforts to rescue and treat the eagle, Mangayon succumbed to severe blood loss and infection, likely caused by a gunshot wound from an improvised weapon.

This tragic incident marks the first recorded death by gunshot in five years for the PEF, but it is the fourth time in 2024 that rescuers have been called to aid eagles shot by improvised weapons. The use of air guns and homemade marble guns for hunting wildlife is a common practice in the Philippines, posing a significant threat to the already dwindling population of Philippine eagles. These birds, with only 392 breeding pairs remaining in the wild, require vast forested areas to thrive, making them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting.

The death of Mangayon highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws in the Philippines. Conservationists have long been advocating for increased penalties for wildlife offenses, including harsher fines and jail time for those found guilty of harming or killing critically endangered species like the Philippine eagle. A proposal to amend the existing wildlife law to double fines for wildlife crimes has been pending in the Senate since 2021, awaiting approval and implementation.

In addition to legal measures, conservationists emphasize the importance of education and outreach in raising awareness about the plight of the Philippine eagle and the need for its conservation. Efforts to engage local communities, especially Indigenous groups living in areas where these eagles are found, are crucial in ensuring the protection of these majestic birds. Training forest guards and implementing policies specifically focused on the conservation of the Philippine eagle are also essential steps in safeguarding the species from further harm.

The loss of Mangayon and other Philippine eagles to senseless hunting underscores the fragility of their population and the urgent need for action to prevent their extinction. As top predators in their ecosystem, Philippine eagles play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. Without concerted efforts to protect them, the future of these magnificent birds hangs in the balance. It is imperative that authorities, conservation organizations, and the public come together to ensure the survival of the Philippine eagle for generations to come.