Filipino newborn sparks hope for endangered eagle

A baby Philippine eagle has hatched in the Southeast Asian country through artificial insemination, raising hopes that science and conservation can save the critically endangered raptor from extinction.

Habitat loss and ruthless hunting have caused a rapid decline in the number of the Philippine eagle, one of the world’s largest eagles and the archipelago country’s national bird.

But when “chick number 30” burst through its shell last week at the newly opened National Bird Breeding Sanctuary in the southern city of Davao, it raised the hopes of a small group of conservationists. environment, including Domingo Tadena, 77 years old.

“The first successful hatching in the new facility is very important for us. The whole team was delighted when we saw it alive,” Tadena, who manages the facility, told AFP on Wednesday.

Resulting from artificial insemination, the chick hatched after a 56-day incubation period during which it received special assistance to breathe through its shell, the Philippine Eagle Foundation said in a statement.

Known as the “help” method, the process is “difficult and very delicate, but it’s worth it,” Tadena said.

“We already had an experience where a chick ended up suffocated and died because it wasn’t able to open its own shell… so now we’ve helped this eaglet break through its egg shell,” he declared.

He added that the birth of “Chick Number 30” indicated that “with cutting-edge technology, cross-cultural collaboration and unwavering dedication, we can create new hope for the Philippine Eagle and ensure future generations.”

Philippine eagles, known for their sumptuous head plumage, are difficult to mate with, some even killing unwanted suitors.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation estimates that there are only 392 pairs of eagles left in the wild, of which only 30 were born in captivity, including the newborn.

The center’s ultimate goal is to release the eagles into the wild, but that has proven an even bigger challenge than breeding them.

“We have been experimenting but so far we have not been able to release the eagles,” Tadena said, explaining that many of them died after being shot or electrocuted.

“Plus, we can only raise a few eagles, just enough to serve as breeders.”

Tadena said the Philippine Eagle Foundation is still considering whether to release “chick number 30” into the wild or keep it in captivity for breeding.

“The artificial reproduction of the new chick gives hope… but it is much better to have forests where the eagles can reproduce naturally and live freely, safe and protected.”

© 2024 AFP