From Fascination to Safeguarding: A Discourse Analysis of Competing Narratives on Hunting and Conserving the Philippine Eagle

Abstract

Competing views about recreational hunting and wildlife conservation are common today. The pro-hunting view sees hunting as a regulated activity that can make use of natural resources, while the anti-hunting view focuses on animal welfare, ethical concerns, and changing attitudes toward wildlife. This study addressed the need for examining the competing views surrounding the hunting and conservation of the Philippine Eagle to understand how these views influence conservation practices. There were 18 participants from Mindanao, Philippines, who were familiar with social media and had some exposure to online discussions and conversations about Philippine Eagle conservation. They were provided with snippets of social media comments that describes hunting and conservation of the Philippine eagle. The findings revealed that hunting was a possible source of livelihood or financial gain, particularly because conservation rewards could unintentionally encourage people to capture eagles for money. However, some raised moral concerns, viewing the killing of the Philippine Eagle for entertainment or personal satisfaction as wrong and emphasizing the species’ right to survive. Some comments reflected a view of human superiority, where human needs and interests were considered more important than the protection of wildlife. These competing views could make Philippine Eagle conservation more difficult because they reflected different beliefs about human–wildlife relationships, economic needs, cultural practices, and responsibility for protecting wildlife. Nevertheless, the study suggested that protecting the Philippine Eagle, including other species, requires more than laws and financial rewards. It needed clear regulations, stronger enforcement, better public understanding, scientific guidance, and active involvement from local communities and other stakeholders.