TACLOBAN CITY — Offering renewed hope for the survival of the country's national bird, a scientific study has identified approximately 10,320 hectares of potential release sites across two primary mountain ranges in Leyte.
Published in the Philippine Journal of Science, the study titled “Identifying Suitable Release Sites for Philippine Eagles in Leyte for Aiding Reintroduction Using GIS-based Multi-criteria Decision-making” pinpoints the Anonang-Lobi Mountain Range in Central Leyte and Mt. Nacolod in Southern Leyte as viable habitats to support the species.
Key Biodiversity Areas Mapped Via GIS Technology
Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) multi-criteria analysis, researchers evaluated forest density, elevation, slope steepness, human disturbance levels, and prey availability across the island's interior.
The identified release zones—accounting for roughly 1.6 percent of Leyte’s total land area—span key municipal boundaries:
Anonang-Lobi Mountain Range (Central Leyte): Encompasses suitable forest blocks across Ormoc City, Albuera, Kananga, Jaro, Burauen, and Baybay City. The landscape includes high-elevation zones around Mt. Aminduen (Alto Peak), the highest point in Eastern Visayas.
Mt. Nacolod Key Biodiversity Area (Southern Leyte): Features forest ecosystems extending across Silago, Mahaplag, and Sogod, incorporating the protected Buac Watershed Forest Reserve and Hinabian-Lawigan Watershed Reservation.
The researchers noted that steep ravines with slopes exceeding 18 percent provide favorable thermal updrafts for eagle soaring, optimal hunting vantage points, and secure nesting conditions.
Logistics And Community-Led Conservation
In addition to mapping habitat suitability, the study identified 13 potential helicopter landing sites adjacent to target release zones to facilitate the air transport and soft-release acclimatization of captive-bred or rehabilitated eagles.
However, researchers and conservation advocates from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) emphasized that physical suitability must be paired with active community engagement.
The study highlights ongoing indigenous and local stewardship efforts, such as the Waray and Mamanwa communities in Barangay Kagbana, Burauen, who have actively partnered with local government units and the PEF to guard forest corridors following previous eagle releases in 2024 and 2025.
