A Philippine serpent eagle was rescued after it was chased by a dog in Barangay San Jose Banga, South Cotabato.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12), a concerned resident rescued the bird after seeing it being chased by the dog and unable to fly.

The resident coordinated with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Banga to ensure the raptor’s protection.

DENR-12 said the bird, weighing 0.75 kilos with a wingspan of about 18 inches, was then turned over to the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center at the Sultan Kudarat State University in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat for proper care, health assessment, and rehabilitation before its release back into its natural habitat.

“Although, the Philippine Serpent Eagle is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to its wide distribution and adaptability, its population faces a gradual decline,”DENR-12 said.

DENR-12 said one of the major threats faced by serpent eagles is habitat destruction caused by slash-and-burn farming, mining, illegal logging, hunting, and the illegal wildlife trade.

“Protecting this species remains critical to maintaining the ecological balance and biodiversity of the region,” DENR-12 added.