The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is a critically endangered species of eagle endemic to the Philippines, with a population size ranging from 180-500 mature individuals, equivalent to 250-750 individuals in total. This rare and majestic bird species can only be found on four islands in the Philippines: Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
The Characteristics of the Philippine Eagle
The Philippine eagle is one of the largest and most powerful among forest raptors, with a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a body weight of up to 17.6 lbs. They are a solitary and territorial creature, taking 5-7 years to sexually mature. A pair of eagles requires about 4000-11000 hectares of forest land to thrive in the wild, depending on the number of prey items in the area.
Breeding and Nesting Habits
Image source: Philippine_Eagle
The Philippine eagle only lays a single egg every two years, with both parents taking turns incubating the egg for about 58-60 days. The male eagle does most of the hunting during the first 40 days of the eaglet’s life, while the female stays with the young.
Threats to the Philippine Eagle Population
The Philippine eagle faces numerous threats in the wild, primarily from human activities such as deforestation and shooting. Deforestation results in the disappearance of their forest habitat, which brings deadly consequences to the species. At least one Philippine eagle is killed every year due to shooting, as they go farther from their usual hunting grounds in search of food, often resulting in conflicts with humans and their livestock.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Philippine eagle and its habitat. The Philippine Eagle Foundation in Davao City is dedicated to the protection and conservation of the species and its forest habitat. The foundation has successfully bred Philippine eagles in captivity for over a decade and conducted research on behavior, ecology, and population dynamics. Protected lands have been established specifically for this species, such as the Cabuaya Forest and the Taft Forest Wildlife Sanctuary on Samar.
The Cultural Significance of the Philippine Eagle
The Philippine eagle is also a symbol of cultural heritage in the Philippines. It is embedded in the oral histories and cultural artifacts of several indigenous groups in the country, indicating its role in the human production of unique cultures. Ensuring the safety of the Philippine eagle population in the upland areas can result in additional sources of income for marginalized communities sharing the forest with the eagles through biodiversity-friendly initiatives.
In conclusion, the Philippine eagle population is critically endangered, with a total population size of around 180-500 mature individuals. Human activities, particularly deforestation and shooting, pose significant threats to the species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Philippine eagle and its habitat, with organizations such as the Philippine Eagle Foundation playing a crucial role in breeding and research programs. The Philippine eagle is also a symbol of cultural heritage, with its preservation having positive impacts on local communities and indigenous cultures.
