Leyte, Philippines – On August 12, 2025, the FVM-Veterinary Teaching Hospital extended its best veterinary service to a wounded hawk eagle rescued from Brgy. Amguhan, Baybay City, by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Baybay.

The hawk-eagle suffered a gunshot wound to its right leg, which damaged its tibiotarsus and fibula, as well as its knee and surrounding tissues. The veterinarians at FVM performed emergency surgery, wound management, and palliative veterinary procedures to stabilize the injured raptor.

As of August 24, 2025, the raptor continues its long healing from the severe physical trauma and is under special care in the FVM-Veterinary Teaching Hospital since it has not gained even a quarter of its strength.

The rescued raptor is a South Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus pinskeri), a forest-dependent bird of prey, distinguished by its powerful talons, striking crest, and sharp eyesight. Once widespread in the forests of Mindanao, Leyte, and Samar, the species has seen dramatic population declines. The IUCN Red List categorizes it as Endangered due to rapid deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and hunting pressures.

The FVM-VSU is calling for stronger enforcement in protecting the Philippine endemic wildlife, expanding forest protection measures, and consistent environmental education campaigns for local communities.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 – Life on Land and SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals]

 

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