The Philippine Eagle, known scientifically as Pithecophaga jefferyi, is a critically endangered species of eagle that is endemic to the Philippines. It is considered the largest of the extant eagles in the world in terms of length and wing surface area. The eagle’s habitat is a crucial sanctuary for its conservation, as it plays a vital role in the species’ survival.
The Philippine Eagle’s Preferred Habitat
The Philippine Eagle primarily inhabits moist and montane forests, particularly in steep and rugged areas. It is found on four major islands in the Philippines:
- Eastern Luzon
- Samar
- Leyte
- Mindanao
The largest numbers of eagles reside on Mindanao, with between 82 and 233 breeding pairs. Only six pairs are found on Samar, two on Leyte, and a few on Luzon.
The eagle can be found in various protected areas, including:
- Northern Sierra Madre National Park on Luzon
- Mount Apo, Mount Malindang, and Mount Kitanglad National Parks on Mindanao
The eagle’s habitat ranges from the lowlands to mountains of over 1,800 m (5,900 ft), with a preference for dipterocarp and mid-montane forests.
Threats to the Philippine Eagle’s Habitat
Image source: Philippine_Eagle
The Philippine Eagle’s habitat is under constant threat, primarily due to deforestation. Old-growth forest is being lost at a high rate, and most of the forest in the lowlands is owned by logging companies. Other threats include:
- Mining
- Pollution
- Exposure to pesticides that affect breeding
- Poaching
Additionally, Philippine eagles are occasionally caught in traps laid by local people for deer.
The Importance of Preserving the Philippine Eagle’s Habitat
The Philippine Eagle is a top predator, with a wide range of prey that includes birds, reptiles, and mammals, mainly civets and colugos. Each breeding pair requires a large home range to successfully raise a chick, making the species extremely vulnerable to deforestation.
Preserving the Philippine Eagle’s habitat is crucial for the species’ survival. The total Philippine eagle population size is around 180-500 mature individuals, which is around 250-750 individuals in total. The species is currently classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers are decreasing.
Conclusion
The Philippine Eagle’s habitat is a critical sanctuary for the conservation of this majestic species. Protecting and preserving the eagle’s natural environment is essential to ensure the survival of this iconic bird of prey. Efforts to combat deforestation, regulate mining and pollution, and educate the public on the importance of the Philippine Eagle’s habitat are crucial steps in safeguarding this remarkable species for generations to come.
References:
– The Philippine Eagle | Pithecophaga jefferyi – EDGE of Existence. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.edgeofexistence.org/species/philippine-eagle/
– Philippine Eagle | The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/philippine-eagle
– Philippine eagle – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_eagle
– Philippine Eagle: The Bird That Lays 1 Egg Every 2 Years | HowStuffWorks. (2024, February 29). Retrieved from https://animals.howstuffworks.com/endangered-species/philippine-eagle.htm
– Philippine Eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://animalia.bio/philippine-eagle
