The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is a critically endangered species of eagle that is considered the largest of the extant eagles in the world in terms of length and wing surface area. According to the latest estimates, the Philippine eagle population is around 180-500 mature individuals, which is around 250-750 individuals in total.

The Majestic Philippine Eagle

The Philippine eagle is a magnificent bird with a dark face and a creamy-brown nape and crown, and a shaggy, manelike crest. Its back is dark brown, while the underside and underwings are white, with heavy legs that are yellow, and large, powerful, dark claws. The prominent, large, high-arched, deep beak is a bluish-gray, and the eagle’s eyes are blue-gray. Juveniles are similar to adults except their upperpart feathers have pale fringes.

Habitat and Behavior

Image source: Philippine_Eagle

The Philippine eagle is found in the Philippines and occurs on four major islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. They inhabit moist and montane forests, particularly in steep and rugged areas. The eagle is generally solitary and spends time singly or in mated pairs. They are active during the day and at night they rest. Philippine eagles primarily use two hunting techniques: still-hunting and perch-hunting.

Threats to the Philippine Eagle Population

The Philippine eagle is threatened primarily by deforestation through logging and expanding agriculture, with old-growth forest being lost at a high rate, and most of the forest in the lowlands being owned by logging companies. Mining, pollution, exposure to pesticides that affect breeding, and poaching are also major threats, and the eagle is occasionally caught in traps laid by local people for deer.

Conservation Efforts

The Philippine Eagle Foundation 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 successful release of a captive-bred eagle in the wild, Kabayan, in 2004 on Mindanao. However, Kabayan was accidentally electrocuted in January 2005, and another eagle, Kagsabua, was released in March 2008, but was shot and eaten by a farmer. In June 2015, an eagle was released after being treated for a gunshot wound; two months later it was shot and killed. The foundation has 36 eagles at its center, of which 19 were bred in captivity, including one born in 2015, the first for two years. Ongoing research on behavior, ecology, and population dynamics is also underway.

Empowering Local Communities

Conservation efforts should not only focus on protecting the eagle’s habitat but also on empowering marginalized communities living in upland areas to become stewards of the forest. By promoting biodiversity-friendly initiatives and cultural preservation, we can ensure the safety of the Philippine eagle population and the well-being of the communities that share its habitat.

Conclusion

The Philippine eagle is a symbol of the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Losing this species to extinction would mean losing a precious biological heritage and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Through collaborative efforts between conservation organizations, the government, and local communities, we can work towards the preservation of this majestic bird and its forest home.

References:
– New map boosts Philippine eagle population estimate, but highlights threats
– Philippine Eagle Foundation
– Philippine Eagle
– Wikipedia