https://www.sunstar.com.ph/ |
| Posted: 01 Jun 2022 04:46 AM PDT DUE to the increasing farm and residential activities surrounding the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Malagos, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) hopes to relocate the center to a bigger area in Eden, Toril."If you look at Malagos right now, 'yong enclosure namin right now, next to it is [a] farm lot. Wala tayong buffer, talagang 'yong mga agila natin exposed lang to farm activities and other residential activities around the area," Andi Baldonado, PEF development manager, said on Monday, May 30, 2022.With the farm activities surrounding or near the center, the critically endangered Philippine Eagle is at risk of being affected by the avian flu.When avian flu cases were detected in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, biosecurity measures were immediately implemented at PEC. These include suspending operations and conducting lockdown and quarantine. The center also intensified its isolation, sanitation, and waste disposal protocols. An Outbreak Management Plan was also created.The foundation said in a statement that should the avian flu enter PEC, it could wipe out its captive breeding stock.The human activities in the area have also pushed other wildlife to reside in the center. Snakes are a common threat to the eagles in the center.A month ago, a python attacked a juvenile Philippine eagle, killing it in its snake-proof enclosure. This incident also had PEF strengthening the snake proofing of its enclosures.Rapid urbanization and avian flu pose a risk to our national bird. Hence, PEF's plan to relocate the center to somewhere safer.The location they are looking at is within a 50-hectare area in Eden that has been designated as a conservation area. However, putting the center here comes with a hefty price tag."This have to take more time, kasi ang laki ng budget na kailangan namin to develop the facility, based on our framework plan, we need at least P56 million to develop enclosures, hospital for the eagles for the area, hindi accessible itong area na ito kaya it all causes a lot of expenses when it comes to construction," Baldonado said.Our national bird will need every help it can get. And it is on us humans to help them. To know how you can help the eagles, visithttps://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/donate.Helping the foundation ensures that the future generation will still see the majestic Philippine Eagle. |
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