The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) reported on Monday that a Philippine eagle named "Uswag" was found dead in the waters off Ponson Island in Pilar, Cebu.
Details of the Incident
Uswag, a male eagle, is suspected to have drowned. Authorities initiated a search and recovery operation on July 31 after GPS readings indicated that Uswag was at sea. Three days later, his carcass was discovered floating with debris of seagrass and algae. Veterinarians estimate that Uswag had been dead for four to five days before being retrieved.
"Sadly, perhaps because of the rains and winds brought about by the Southwest monsoon, eagle Uswag lost his flight bearings and got sucked in towards the sea," the PEF stated.
Examination Results
An X-ray examination revealed that all of Uswag's bones were intact, showing no signs of fractures or trauma. Additionally, no bullets or air gun pellets were found, indicating there was no visible evidence of shooting, trauma, or other bodily injuries.
Uswag's Background
Uswag was one of two Philippine Eagles released in Leyte on June 28 under the Species Reintroduction Project by the Department of Environment and the Philippine Eagle Foundation. This tragic event marks the ninth documented case of a Philippine Eagle crash-landing at sea, with seven of the previous cases being found alive. The eighth case occurred in Maasim, Sarangani Province, in 2022.
Conservation Status
The Philippine Eagle is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only about 400 pairs remaining in the wild.
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