A crested serpent eagle was turned over to Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Guimbal, Iloilo, recently.
Geerazel P. Nieles, a resident of Barangay Diday in Miagao, Iloilo, found the raptor and turned it over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (Menro) in Miag-ao.
The wildlife was found in good condition after its initial inspection.
It was kept safe at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Wildlife Rescue Center in Barangay Kirayan, Miag-ao, Iloilo.
It is now ready for release in a nearby forest in the area.
“To save our wildlife species, we should conserve their habitat as its destruction threatens the species,” said DENR Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla Jr.
“We could help reduce the threats by planting trees, restore wetlands and rivers and clean up the beach or coastal areas. Our environment also needs some tender loving care as we continue the battle to contain the coronavirus disease [Covid-19],” he added.
The crested serpent eagle is a medium-size raptor found in forested habitats across tropical Asia. There are several variations of the species and they have large looking head with long feathers on the back of the head, giving a crested appearance.
Its face is bare and yellow, joining up with the beak and has feet that are heavily scaled but has no feathers.
Crested serpent eagles would usually hold their wings in a shallow V-shape. Its juveniles are distinguished by a much more white plumage especially around the head.
They are usually seen in the edges of forests and river valleys where they can soar and effectively hunt. They are also seen soaring over a territory in pairs and shrill often with a loud and familiar three or two-note call.
Serpent eagles can tolerate a great deal of disturbance to their habitat and are primarily found near secondary forests.
As its name suggests, serpent eagles feed on snakes and also on other reptiles as well as small mammals and birds.
They are apex predators and at the top of their food chain controlling the population of snakes and also other small mammals and birds. Their presence is good indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
It was considered Least Concern by the International Union of Conservation for Nature’s Red List.
Enhance biodiversity conservation is among the top 10 DENR priority programs and projects of Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.