The safe acclimation of Carlito and Uswag to their new environment marks the success of PEF’s translocation projectAs part of continuing conservation efforts involving the Philippine eagle, a pair of freeliving, wild surplus birds in Mindanao recently underwent a pilot translocation to Eastern Visayas.

“Uswag,” a male eagle rescued from Mt. Apo in Davao, and “Carlito,” a female eagle rescued and rehabilitated from Agusan del Sur, were both released in the Anonang-Lobi mountain range in Western Leyte.

The pioneering project was spearheaded by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local and provincial governments of Leyte, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), InLife Foundation, Eastern Visayas State University, the Australian Embassy and the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund.

According to the PEF, Leyte is one of only four islands where Philippine eagles are recorded. However, no eagles have been seen or reported, particularly in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013, indicating that the species may have been already extirpated in the island.

“For a critically endangered species such as the Philippine eagle, every single individual counts,” said DENR Sec. Toni Yulo-Loyzaga in her keynote speech. “Our hope, therefore, is that Uswag and Carlito will bear offspring that will help us reintroduce this species sustainably here in this part of the country.”

For its part, EDC affirms its commitment to supporting PEF, the DENR and Philippine eagle conservation efforts as part of its institutionalized commitment to the environment and biodiversity, especially in its areas of operation, in pursuit of their mission toward a decarbonized and regenerative future.

“Taking care of our forests, which are natural biodiversity habitats, goes hand in hand with ensuring the long-term viability and success of geothermal energy. Thus, a thriving ecosystem is truly indicative of the regenerative powers of renewable energy, and we remain unequivocally committed to achieving and sustaining this,” said Atty. Allan Barcena, assistant vice president and head of corporate support functions at EDC.

The release of Uswag and Carlito forms the initial part of PEF’s translocation project; others include the EDC-sponsored identification and training of local forest guards and an information, education and communication campaign.

(Story/Photos by:Alaina Lyn de Guzman)