DENR frees deer, eagles in Zambo Norte wild

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently released back to the wildlife a deer and two eagle species in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

DENR Regional Information Officer Rosevirico Tan said the three eagle species were released within the agency’s Seed Production Area (SPA) last week in Milidan village, Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte.

Tan said the freed back to their natural habitat included the Philippine Deer (Rusa marianna), Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis holospilus), and Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus pinskeri).

Tan added the deer was retrieved with leg injury in Batungan village in Tungawan town, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Philippine Serpent and Pinsker’s Hawk eagles were retrieved in Gitoan village, Ipil, and Dalisay village, Titay, respectively. The municipality of Titay, like Tungawan, is also in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay with Ipil as the capital town.

The DENR official said the deer and two eagles were rehabilitated in the holding facility of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Zamboanga Sibugay, through the constant medical assistance of veterinarians from the Biodiversity Management Bureau, Department of Agriculture - Zamboanga Peninsula and provincial veterinary office.

Dr. Ana Maria Lascano, field veterinarian of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) placed ear tag no. 100 ZSP 20-01 to the Philippine Deer while a tracker was installed to the endangered Pinsker's Hawk-Eagle.

The DENR with the assistance of DA-Zamboanga Peninsula and PEF released the deer and two eagles in line with the observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD).

The IDBD is being celebrated every 22nd day of May aimed to promote awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues.

The year’s IDBD celebration is anchored in the theme “Our solutions are in nature.”

The released of the deer and eagles were witnessed by local government officials of Zamboanga del Norte and officials of the DENR. (SunStar Zamboanga)