A juvenile Philippine Eagle was recently sighted within the dense forests of the Panigan Tamugan Subwatershed in Davao City during an on site habitat assessment conducted from May 5 to 8, 2026, strengthening ongoing efforts to protect one of the country’s most endangered species.
The sighting was confirmed by a joint assessment team composed of personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through CENRO Davao City, biologists from the Philippine Eagle Foundation, members of the Public Safety and Security Office, and representatives from the Obu Manuvu Indigenous Peoples community of Tambobong.
According to the assessment team, the juvenile eagle was repeatedly observed perched within the monitoring site throughout the duration of the field activity. The continued presence of the critically endangered bird in the area highlights the ecological importance of the Panigan Tamugan Subwatershed and its role as a potential sanctuary for the species.
As part of intensified conservation measures, the Philippine Eagle Foundation placed a tracking tag on the recently sighted eagle to monitor its movement and flight patterns. Researchers said the intervention is essential in studying the eagle’s behavior, habitat range, and long term population viability in the wild.
Previous sightings of Philippine Eagles were also documented in the same area during biodiversity and habitat assessments conducted in 2024 and 2025. These recurring observations have further strengthened the proposal to declare portions of the watershed as a critical habitat for the species.
The proposed conservation area covers approximately 2,964 hectares of forest land within the Panigan Tamugan Subwatershed. The site remains largely covered by dense forests that support diverse flora and fauna while serving as an ecologically and culturally significant landscape for the Obu Manuvu Indigenous Peoples community.
The habitat assessment forms part of a collaborative initiative between DENR Region XI and Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. aimed at protecting and conserving the natural resources within the watershed, which serves as the largest source of water supply for Davao City.
Environmental groups and conservation advocates continue to stress the urgent need to preserve upland ecosystems and biodiversity areas as threats such as habitat loss and environmental degradation continue to impact wildlife populations across the country.
The Philippine Eagle, considered the national bird of the Philippines, remains listed as Critically Endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and declining population numbers. Conservationists hope that strengthened habitat protection and continued monitoring efforts will help ensure the survival of the species for future generations.
DENR Davao Region
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