Gab Ibis

A three-year-old Philippine Eagle named “Uswag” was found lifeless in the waters of Ponson Island in Pilar, Cebu, a month after its release as part of a conservation effort.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Eagle Foundation.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) reported the incident on Monday, August 5, attributing the eagle’s death to accidental drowning.

Uswag was released on June 28 in the Marabong Watershed of the Anonang Lobi Range KBA in Burauen, Leyte, alongside a female eagle named “Carlito.” 

This release was part of the Species Reintroduction Project by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and PEF, aimed at repopulating the dwindling Philippine Eagle population.

Specialized monitoring equipment was fitted to Uswag to track its movements. 

On July 30, readings indicated that the eagle was at sea, far from its last known location on the western slopes of the Mt. Pangasugan Range in Baybay City on July 9.

PEF's Jayson Ibanez received these alarming readings and promptly initiated a search and recovery operation. After 42 hours of efforts, Uswag's decomposing carcass was retrieved on August 3.

Veterinarians estimated that the eagle had died four to five days before being found, with no signs of trauma or foul play detected in the necropsy.

“It is very unfortunate that we lost Uswag to accidental drowning. He was healthy and had shown signs of successful hunting in the wild. Sadly, the rains and winds brought by the Southwest monsoon likely disoriented him, leading to his tragic end at sea," PEF stated in an incident report.

Uswag's death marks the ninth documented case of a Philippine Eagle crash-landing at sea, with only two resulting in fatalities. 

The previous incident occurred in 2022 in Maasim, Sarangani Province.

PEF biologist Rowell Taraya emphasized the need for greater vigilance and collaboration. 

"We must identify hazardous areas and work with coastal communities to ensure the safety of these eagles. Informing fishermen and local residents can help in timely rescues if eagles are found in distress," Taraya said.