DAVAO CITY — Two airgun pellets were removed from the body of “Kalatungan” the Philippine Eagle who was found trapped and weak at Barangay Nabaliwa, Municipality of Pangantucan, Bukidnon on February 24.
The eagle was trapped inside a vine thicket and was unable to fly when Dodong Watang found the bird along Kiulayon ridge above the rivers . He immediately called for help and the bird was promptly rescued by Datu Nonoy Nonay and Fermin Daculay, both are Forest Guard volunteers from the Bantay sa Yutang Kabilin (BYK) association.
The group notified the authorities for assistance which led them to Thieza Verdijo, Deputy Director of the Xavier Science Foundation, the locals sought assistance from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) through Dr. Jayson Ibañez, who immediately formed a quick response team.
Upon examination, the bird identified as Kalatungan, a juvenile eagle, between 1.5 to 2 years of age. It is most likely male, based on a body weight of only 3.45 kg. The bird’s crop was empty, which indicate that the bird hasn’t fed for days. Dr. Gadong gave the bird a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 3, meaning its muscles and fat are fairly within standards. But even though the bird is adequately muscled, it was dehydrated and stressed.
A close inspection of its body showed a superficial wound on the left wing, indicating potential injury or trauma. To stabilize the bird’s condition and provide sustenance for the four-hour drive to Davao City, Dr Gadong injected the bird with fluids and dextrose. After calming the bird and bringing down its vitals (respiratory and heart rates) to a safe level, we headed out with Kalatungan to Doc Bayani’s Animal Wellness Clinic in Davao City for a comprehensive health assessment and treatment.
C) The pellet embedded beneath the skin of the Kalatungan’s right shoulder; D) Air gun pellets extracted after surgery.-Photo: PEF
The bird was sent to Doc Bayani’s clinic and after a thorough examination, the X-ray imaging showed two air gun pellets lodged inside the eagle’s body, specifically above the right collar bone and at the right thigh region (Figure 3). The pellets were lodged just beneath the skin, and the absence of entry wounds indicates that the shooting happened a few months back. Dr Bayani Vandenbroeck, PEF’s Chief Veterinary Consultant surgically removed the lead pellets from Kalatungan’s body.
Special attention was given to minimize trauma and ensure Kalatungan’s well-being throughout the process. After the lead pellets were successfully removed, blood and fecal samples were collected for further blood chemistry and disease analyses, respectively. Blood samples will be sent also to the UP Diliman Genetic Laboratory for confirmatory DNA sexing.
The Law vs Air gun
Kalatungan is the 19th bird rescued and admitted at the PEC for medical care since 2019.
In an effort to protect the birds in the wilderness and to prevent recurrence of said incident, Dr. Ibañez wrote to the Regional Executive Director of Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region X, Henry Adornado, PhD for their support and endorsement in lobbying with our law enforcement authorities such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police their local counterparts, about the persistent shooting incidents despite being claimed by authorities as “under control”.
“This eagle (kalatinga) is the 9th bird to be rescued and admitted at the PEC for medical care since 2019. Sadly, it is the 9th victim of eagle shooting in that cohort. It is alarming that in nearly all of these cases, air gun was the shooting weapon,” the letter emphasized.
Air guns can produce a wide variety of traumatic lesions, from superficial ones to severe, cranial, neck, thoracic and abdominal injuries.
Philippines authorities say an air gun is technically not a firearm, and not regulated under the law (RA 10591).
But the lack of regulation and prevailing treatment of airguns as “toys” make it a very accessible tool for wildlife hunting and shooting, especially in the uplands where wildlife law enforcement is weak or almost non-existent, the foundation claimed.
“Kalatungan” is the third case of a Philippine eagle getting harmed by airguns in Bukidnon, since 2019. The first case was Philippine eagle “Tagoyaman Fernando” – a rescued immature eagle in 2020 whose x-ray showed an air gun pellet lodged on its right wing. The second case was eagle “Sinabadan” who was shot and permanently injured with an air gun just last year, the foundation stressed.
“Air guns continue to imperil the life of our national bird. These weapons are not covered by the country’s Fire Arm law, and sales and trade of it go on unregulated. more eagles and wildlife are under a grave threat.” said Dr. Ibañez.
“Those individuals that intend to use airsoft/airguns and other imitation firearms as theatrical property during a performance or production must seek authority from the CBSFC (Committee on Ban of Firearms and Security Concerns) by filing an application for a Certificate of Authority-Transport
“Kalatungan” is the third case of a Philippine eagle getting harmed by airguns in Bukidnon, since 2019. The first case was Philippine eagle “Tagoyaman Fernando” – a rescued immature eagle in 2020 whose x-ray showed an air gun pellet lodged on its right wing. The second case was eagle “Sinabadan” who was shot and permanently injured with an air gun just last year.
