Zambales Barangay Gives a Philippine Serpent Eagle a Second Chance

 

When a Philippine serpent eagle was found in distress in Barangay Matain, Subic, Zambales, the community could have simply left the matter to chance. Instead, local officials took a crucial step that may have given the injured raptor a second chance at life in the wild.

They promptly turned the rescued bird over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for proper assessment and rehabilitation—a simple act that the agency says demonstrates how ordinary communities can play an important role in protecting the country’s wildlife.

“The action of Barangay Matain shows how communities can help protect our wildlife,” said DENR Region 3 Executive Director Ralph Pablo. “Promptly turning over rescued animals to the proper authorities gives them a better chance to receive the care they need and, when possible, return to their natural habitat.”

The eagle was formally received by Forester Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City. Wildlife enforcement officer Bryan Vallejos conducted a preliminary health assessment and ensured that the bird was handled safely.

The next stop for the rescued raptor was the Wildlife In Nature Rescue Center in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. There, it would undergo a more thorough medical examination and rehabilitation, with the hope that it could eventually be strong enough to return to the wild.

“We will facilitate the transfer of the eagle to the Wildlife In Nature Rescue Center,” Sernadilla said. “It will undergo further medical evaluation and rehabilitation before its possible return to the wild.”

A native of Philippine forests

The Philippine serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus) is one of the country’s native birds of prey. It can be found in a variety of landscapes, including forest edges, foothills, areas along rivers and streams, and even cultivated areas.

Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies the species as Least Concern, its population is showing a declining trend—a reminder that a species does not have to be officially endangered before its protection becomes urgent.

Under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, the Philippine serpent eagle is classified as an Other Wildlife Species (OWS). It is also protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

The law prohibits unauthorized activities involving wildlife, including the collection, possession, transport and trade of wild animals without the required permits or authority.

What to do when wildlife needs help

For residents who encounter an injured, displaced or rescued wild animal, the DENR has a straightforward message: do not try to keep or rehabilitate it on your own.

Instead, report the animal to the nearest DENR office or appropriate wildlife authority.

Wild animals have specialized needs, and well-intentioned attempts to care for them without professional guidance can sometimes do more harm than good. Prompt coordination allows trained personnel and accredited wildlife facilities to determine the animal’s condition, provide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, and assess whether it can eventually survive again in its natural habitat.

“Prompt coordination allows wildlife authorities and accredited facilities to provide appropriate assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, and determine whether an animal can eventually be returned to its natural habitat,” Pablo said.

For the Philippine serpent eagle rescued in Matain, that timely act by the community may make all the difference.

Sometimes, protecting wildlife begins with something as simple as knowing when to help—and whom to call. (Story source and photo credit: DENR Central Luzon)