Tracking Philippine Eagle Mal'lambugok

Mallambugok after release

Rehabilitated Philippine Eagle Mal’lambugok released in Caraga, Davao Oriental last September 26 - is ACTIVE and MOVING ABOUT.

Mapping of her GPS readings also showed that the bird flew over and crossed Caraga River for the first time on October 26, exactly a month after her release. Caraga River is Caraga town’s largest and longest river system. Its head waters emanate from as far as the mountains of Davao de Oro and Compostela Valley Provinces. Then, she slowly moved westward, along the riverine forests of Caraga. On Nov 23, she finally left the forested river banks, and moved closer and closer to the mountains of Baganga town.

Eagle Mal’lambugok flew over rivers, farms, grasslands and other open areas, and stayed inside small forest patches close to human settlements- a movement pattern similar to 14 other rescued and released eagles the PEF has monitored since 2008.

Mal’lambugok’s solar powered GPS/GSM transmitter can last 3-4 years. And through remote telemetry technology, we can follow how her life in the wild. We pray that she remains safe and healthy across the years, until she settles, finds a mate, and starts her own family. Mal’lambugok is about 3 years old when she was rescued.

The release and remote monitoring of eagle Mal’lambugok was supported by the Whitley Fund for Nature, Uy Masuy Wine Factory, Inc., Ulticon Builders, Inc., the local governments of Caraga and Davao Oriental, and DENR.

Photo by: Mr. Martin Y. Pineda