The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle or Great Philippine Eagle, is a critically endangered species of eagle endemic to the forests of the Philippines. It is considered the largest of the extant eagles in the world in terms of length and wing surface area. The Philippine Eagle has a brown and white-colored plumage, a shaggy crest, and generally measures 86 to 102 cm (2.82 to 3.35 ft) in length and weighs 4.04 to 8.0 kg (8.9 to 17.6 lb). Alongside this magnificent bird, the Philippines is also home to a unique plant species that shares its name – the Philippine Eagle.

The Philippine Eagle: A Raptor Extraordinaire

The Philippine Eagle is a true forest raptor and relies on pristine primary forest in which to hunt, build its nest, and raise its young. It can be found in habitat as low as sea level to around 5,900 feet (1,800 m). However, much of this species’ lowland habitat is being destroyed, mainly due to logging and conversion of forest land into agricultural land. This is causing the eagles to be more and more restricted to living mainly on mountain slopes, which are generally less at risk because it is more difficult to log or grow crops on a slope than it is in the lowlands.

The Philippine Eagle is a solitary and territorial creature, taking 5-7 years to sexually mature. The Philippine eagle pair needs about 4000-11000 hectares of forest land to thrive in the wild, depending on the number of prey items in the area. They are also listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with an estimated number of only 400 pairs left in the wild.

Threats to the Philippine Eagle

The most significant threat to the species is loss of habitat, a result of high levels of deforestation throughout most of its range. Killing a Philippine eagle is a criminal offence, punishable by law with up to 12 years imprisonment and heavy fines.

Conservation Efforts

The Philippine Eagle Foundation in Davao City is one organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Philippine eagle and its forest habitat. The foundation has successfully bred Philippine eagles in captivity for over a decade and conducted the first release of a captive-bred eagle to the wild in 2004. Education in local communities and working with them to develop community-based conservation of critical habitat is also an ongoing effort by the foundation.

In recent years, protected lands have been established specifically for this species, such as the 700 km2 (170,000 acres) of Cabuaya Forest and the 37.2 km2 (9,200 acres) of Taft Forest Wildlife Sanctuary on Samar. However, a large proportion of the population is found on unprotected land, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.

The Philippine Eagle Plant: A Unique Botanical Counterpart

Image source: Philippine_Eagle

While the Philippine Eagle is a majestic bird of prey, the Philippines is also home to a unique plant species that shares its name – the Philippine Eagle. This plant, scientifically known as Pithecellobiurn arrectum, is a tree species that is endemic to the Philippines.

Characteristics of the Philippine Eagle Plant

The Philippine Eagle plant is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. It has a distinctive trunk that is often twisted or gnarled, and its leaves are bipinnately compound, with small, oblong leaflets. The plant produces small, white, globular flower heads that are followed by curved, brown seed pods.

Habitat and Distribution

The Philippine Eagle plant is found in the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, typically at elevations between 300 and 1,000 meters above sea level. It is most commonly found in the central and southern parts of the country, including the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas.

Conservation Status

Like its avian counterpart, the Philippine Eagle plant is also facing threats to its survival. Habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture and development is the primary threat to this species. The Philippine Eagle plant is currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating that it is at risk of becoming endangered in the near future.

Conservation Efforts

Efforts to conserve the Philippine Eagle plant are closely tied to the conservation of the Philippine Eagle and its forest habitat. The Philippine Eagle Foundation and other conservation organizations in the country are working to protect the remaining forests and promote sustainable land use practices to ensure the survival of both the plant and the bird.

In conclusion, the Philippine Eagle and the Philippine Eagle plant are both unique and fascinating species that are inextricably linked to the rich biodiversity of the Philippines. While the challenges they face are significant, the ongoing conservation efforts of dedicated organizations and individuals offer hope for the future of these remarkable species.

References:

• Edge of Existence – Philippine Eagle
• Wikipedia – Philippine Eagle
• The Peregrine Fund – Philippine Eagle
• Philippine Eagle Foundation
• IUCN Red List – Philippine Eagle
• IUCN Red List – Philippine Eagle Plant