On May 17, the 23-year-old male eagle Lakpue was observed perched in a tree near the Pangalaw-an River in Mahagnao, Leyte. The sighting marks continued progress in efforts to restore the critically endangered species to the province.
Lakpue remained on a hagimit tree for roughly three hours and displayed pre-hunting actions. The bird was released in September 2025 after arriving in Leyte in March of that year as part of a Department of Environment and Natural Resources program.
The eagle now hunts within the Marabong watershed and ranges across about 613 hectares in the Anonang-Lobi mountain area. It is tracked via GPS and radio transmitter by staff from the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
Dr. Jayson Ibañez of the foundation said the eagle’s calm conduct and use of forest interior indicate healthy adaptation. The reintroduction effort began in June 2024 and plans to place up to 18 eagles in Leyte over five years.
