Stunning Serpent Eagle is Rescued in Mindanao, a Win for Philippine Conservation

A Philippine Serpent Eagle was rescued in the southern city of Tacurong, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said Tuesday, helping efforts to conserve the snake-eating raptors.

The eagle is in good condition at the DENR-12 Wildlife Rescue Center in Lutayan municipality, said veterinarian Neil Velasco.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Soccsksargen, the Serpent Eagle was spotted fighting a snake in Purok Narra, Barangay Lancheta when it was saved.

The Serpent Eagle mainly lives off lizards and snakes, as its name suggests, but also eats rodents and small mammals. Small and sedentary, the bird is usually found in forest edges, foothills, and open land with scattered trees.

Last week, the DENR released a total of 13 rehabilitated wildlife, including four Philippine serpent eagles, in Dakayakan, Midsalip in Zamboanga del Sur. The population of the crested serpent eagle subspecies is decreasing, according to a 2019 report on Animal Scene.

This story originally appeared on Reportr.World. Minor edits have been made by Esquiremag.ph editors.