The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle, is a critically endangered species endemic to the Philippines. It is the largest eagle in the world in terms of length and wing surface. The Philippine Eagle Center, located in Barangay Malagos, Davao City, is a research, rescue, and education facility that is home to 36 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred.
The Philippine Eagle Center: A Sanctuary for the Majestic Bird
The Philippine Eagle Center is a popular tourist attraction in Davao City, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s forest ecosystem and the chance to see the majestic bird up close. The Center offers various educational programs, including keeper talks, falconry, and open classroom projects, to promote conservation education and awareness.
Visiting the Philippine Eagle Center
Visitors can reach the Center by taking a bus from Annil Terminal in Davao City to Calinan, then taking a pedicab to the Center. The entrance fee is P50 for adults and P30 for youth, 18 years old and below, with an additional P5 fee collected by the Davao City Water District before entering the premises. Tour guiding and the use of kiosks are free of charge.
The Center is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, including holidays, and offers lecture programs on various topics, such as the PEF and its programs, conservation breeding, field research, community-based programs, conservation education, and captive breeding techniques.
The Philippine Eagle: A Symbol of Philippine Pride
The Philippine Eagle is a symbol of Philippine national identity and pride, with a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 15 pounds. It has a distinct crest on its head, which resembles a crown, and its feathers are a mix of brown, white, and black. The eagle’s diet mainly consists of monkeys, but it also preys on other mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Conservation Efforts at the Philippine Eagle Center
Image source: Philippine_Eagle
The Philippine Eagle Center is managed by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), which is dedicated to the conservation of the Philippine Eagle and its habitat. The Center is home to 36 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred, and also houses 10 other species of birds, 4 species of mammals, and 2 species of reptiles.
Captive Breeding and Research
The Center’s captive breeding program has been instrumental in the conservation of the Philippine Eagle. Researchers at the Center study the biology, behavior, and ecology of the eagle, as well as develop techniques for its successful breeding and release into the wild.
Community-Based Conservation
The PEF also works with local communities to promote conservation education and awareness. The Center offers various educational programs and outreach initiatives to engage the public in the protection of the Philippine Eagle and its habitat.
Supporting the Conservation of the Philippine Eagle
To support the conservation initiatives of the PEF, visitors can book a tour at the Philippine Eagle Center. All proceeds of the tours will benefit the PEC and the conservation initiatives of the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
By visiting the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City, you can contribute to the protection of this critically endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve this majestic bird and its habitat.
References:
– Birding2Asia: Trip Report – Davao Philippine Eagle
– Philippine Eagle Foundation: Philippine Eagle Center
– Book a Tour at the Philippine Eagle Center
– TripSavvy: The Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City
– TripAdvisor: Philippine Eagle Center
