Philippine eagle pair sighted in wild after nearly two decades 

A wild and untagged pair of Philippine eagle was rediscovered in Bukidnon, marking its first confirmed sighting in nearly two decades, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said on Wednesday. 

The organization said the pair was monitored within the Bukidnon Higaonon Tribal Association Ancestral Domain. 

“The pair was seen mutual-soaring, a graceful courtship ritual where two lifelong partners glide side by side. Together, they mark their territory while reaffirming their bond. It’s a beautiful and powerful dance in the sky, signaling that a new nesting season may be on the horizon,” the PEF said in a Facebook post. 

 

Following the sighting, the organization urged the public to help Philippine eagles thrive in the wild. 

“This is a good sign that despite everything, our Philippine Eagles are finding ways to survive in the wild. Let’s make sure to do our part in helping them thrive!” said PEF. 

The Philippine eagle (or the Monkey-eating eagle), which is also the national bird of the country,  is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only about 400 pairs remaining in the wild.

The Philippine eagle is also considered the top carnivore in the country. They are only found in Luzon, in the provinces of Leyte and Samar, and in Mindanao, the PEF said. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News