A Philippine serpent eagle found by a resident in Magpet, Cotabato was released back to its habitat.

The juvenile raptor was found by a resident in his farm in Barangay Magkaalam. The raptor was weak and unable to fly when found as its body was wet.

The resident took care of the raptor for two days so it could regain its strength before turning it over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

Based on examination conducted by the municipal veterinarian, the eagle measures 48.26 centimeters in wingspan, 30.48 centimeters tall, and weighs one kilo.

The eagle was released on July 2, 2024 after making sure it was already in good health.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Soccsksargen (DENR-12), the Philippine serpent eagle is endemic to the Philippines, a small bird of prey found in Luzon Island and Mindanao Island.

“It lives in various habitats, such as forest clearings, open woodlands, and cultivated lands with scattered trees. The bird is only found in the Philippines and is usually seen in forests near rivers, foothills, open areas, farmland, at the edges of forests, at elevations ranging from sea level to 2,500 meters, but usually below 1,500 meters,” DENR-12 said.

DENR-12 added that Philippine serpent eagles mainly eat snakes and lizards.

“While it is more adapted to shifting conditions than certain other eagle species, the species is still widespread throughout its range but is in danger at risk from habitat loss. With a declining population, it is currently listed on the IUCN Red List as a Least Concern (LC) species,” DENR-12 added.