THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has released back to the wild a Philippine Serpent Eagle in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, a DENR official announced Friday, May 13.
Roservirico Tan, DENR regional information officer, said the Serpent Eagle was released Wednesday, May 11, at the Cogon Ecotourism Park in Dipolog City by personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) of Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Tan said the raptor was successfully retrieved by personnel of Cenro-Manukan after they received a message from the daughter of Florante Romende, a resident of East Poblacion village, Manukan, regarding a bird he rescued in their area.
"Cenro Manukan personnel immediately responded to retrieve the wildlife which was identified as a Philippine Serpent Eagle," Tan said.
He said the eagle was subjected to physical examination and observation and found to be in good condition, hence, the office released it at Cogon Ecotourism Park in Dipolog City.
Philippine Serpent Eagles are classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but their population trend is observed to be decreasing.
They are protected under Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act." (SunStar Zamboanga)