Eastern Visayas has emerged as a critical sanctuary for the Philippine eagle, with conservation programs now centered on Leyte’s highland forests. Recent reports highlight the region’s role as a release and recovery area for the country’s national bird, following years of habitat loss and disruption.
Collaborative reintroduction efforts
The Philippine Eagle Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has been actively reintroducing eagles into forest areas in Burauen, where the species historically thrived. More than 10,000 hectares in Leyte have been identified as potential release sites, providing a science-based pathway for conservationists.
Symbolic and practical significance
The initiative carries both symbolic and practical weight. Protecting forest habitats in Eastern Visayas not only helps restore one of the Philippines’ most iconic species but also enhances the region’s watershed integrity and biodiversity value.
