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2 Philippine Eagles to be released to the Kitanglad wild |
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by Walter I. Balane/MindaNews
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Monday, 27 October 2008 08:04 |
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MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/26 October) -- The Philippine Eagle Foundation announced it is releasing next year two eagles into the wild of Mt. Kitanglad Range and Natural Park following the death of released eagle Kagsabua in July.
Jason Ibanez, PEF field research coordinator announced the plan during the meeting of the park's Protected Area Management Board on October 23.
Ibanez said they plan to release tentatively in January 2009 another rescued Philippine eagle, "Calabugao" a female from Calabugao village in Manolo Fortich town and a male partner bred in captivity identified for now as "Chick 20".
He said the release is part of the long term plan to continue conservation efforts for the endangered Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).
"What happened to Kagsabua is not a stumbling block," he said.
Kagsabua was killed by a local airgun shooter near the village where he was released four months earlier.
As a lesson from the eagle's fate, the new eagles will no longer be released in the buffer zones of the protected area.
"We will release the eagles in the interior part of the forest," Ibanez said.
He presented the board with updates about "Tinuy-an," the female partner of Kagsabua, now relocated to a new site at the peak of Mt. Dulang-dulang still in the park range.
Ibanez said that to ensure massive education in preparation for the release, they have
planned to conduct information campaigns in 28 villages including 28 elementary schools around the natural park.
He asked the board to pass a resolution to support the release of the two eagles.
Meanwhile, Protected Area Superintendent Felix Mirasol told MindaNews Kagsabua's killer is still in the custody of the Higaonon tribal community in Intavas village in Sumilao town.
He said a witness did not show up at the preliminary investigation for the issuance of the warrant, at the Municipal Circuit Trial Court. He said they are waiting for the new schedule on October 29.
Mirasol admitted a complication in the procedure since tribal elders wanted to keep the suspect under their custody subject to their traditional justice system.
Kagsabua's death has triggered policy waves in the province. The PAMB passed a resolution banning the carrying and use of air guns in the park and in areas along its buffer zones. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews) |
