Rare Philippines eagle shot dead just weeks after being nursed back to health

A rare Philippine Eagle treated for gunshot wounds and released back into the wild two months ago has been shot dead. The species is “critically endangered” and there are only 400 pairs remaining, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The carcass of the majestic bird, named Pamana, was found on Sunday with a gunshot wound to her chest near Mount Hamiguitan in the country’s Davao Oriental province. It is a tragic end for the bird which only recently recovered after being nursed back to health from an attack three years ago. She was released on 12 June on Philippine Independence Day

Pamana, like her name, is now a memory. Needing support for stronger law enforcement in protecting wildlife & natl heritage.‪#‎PaalamPamana‬.

Philippine Eagle Foundation on Facebook

The Philippine Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful in the world and has a wingspan of up to 2.2m (7ft 3in). It is also known as the monkey-eating eagle. Killing one is punishable by a 12-year jail term and a large fine. Gunshots have been the cause of many of the recorded fatalities.

Even birds that seemed healthy at the time of recovery or confiscation were found to have airgun pellets in their bodies after undergoing X-ray examinations.

Philippine Eagle Foundation

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