Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga Jefferyi), also often called the monkey-eating eagle, is considered one of the most important and strongest eagles on the earth. Endemic to the Philippines, it’s a logo of strength, power and freedom for the Filipino people. Unfortunately, the Philippine eagle can be one of the endangered bird species on the earth, with its population estimated at only 400 pairs.
The Philippine eagle is found nowhere else on the earth. Its range includes several islands within the Philippines, including Luzon, Samar, Leyte, Mindanao, and other nearby islands. The eagle’s historical range can have been more extensive, but habitat loss and fragmentation have greatly reduced its distribution.
Currently, the most important remaining populations of Philippine eagles are found on the island of Mindanao, particularly within the Caraga and Davao regions. The Philippine sea eagle has a comparatively small range in comparison with other eagle species, with estimates placing its total range at lower than 20,000 square kilometers.
Habitat
The Philippine eagle is found only within the forests of the Philippines, especially on the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. They prefer to live in large, undisturbed areas of primary forest, but they will also be present in secondary forests and even plantations. Their habitats are threatened by deforestation, mining and other human activities that destroy the forest.
Diet
The Philippine eagle is a carnivore and its weight loss plan consists mainly of monkeys, flying squirrels, tree squirrels and other small mammals. It can be known to hunt birds, reptiles and even large rodents. Its hunting style is exclusive amongst eagles in that it will possibly fly low and fast through the forest cover, using its strong talons to grab prey from tree branches or within the air.
The Philippine eagle is thought for its distinctive appearance, with a distinguished, curved beak and a spiky crown of feathers on its head. It can be famous for its courtship displays, during which it performs an aerial dance with its partner, rising high into the sky after which falling back to the forest floor.
The Philippine eagle is a solitary bird, except in the course of the breeding season, when pairs mate for all times and lift one chick every two to a few years. The chick stays with its parents for as much as two years before becoming independent.
IUCN status
The Philippine eagle is listed as Critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. This means it’s at an especially high risk of extinction within the wild. The fundamental threats to this species are habitat loss, hunting and trapping. The Philippine government and conservation groups are working to guard the remaining population and their habitats through law enforcement, habitat restoration and public education.
In conclusion, the Philippine eagle is an imposing and awe-inspiring bird of prey that’s unfortunately facing extinction. Its habitat, population and future survival are threatened by human activities. It is as much as us to guard this amazing species and be sure that it will possibly proceed to soar within the skies above the forests of the Philippines for generations to return.
Bibliography:
- International BirdLife. (2021). Pithecophaga Jefferyi. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22696034A179818605. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T22696034A179818605.en
- Brown, R. M., Gonzales, P. C., Kennedy, R. S., & Paguntalan, L. M. (2014). Saving the Philippine Eagle: Developing a Sustainable Captive Breeding Program. Journal of Raptor Research, 48(3), 252-259.
- Kennedy, R. S., Gonzales, P. C., Dickinson, E. C., Miranda, Jr., H. C., & Fisher, T. H. (2000). A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines. Oxford University Press.
- International BirdLife. (2021). Philippine eagle conservation within the Philippines. BirdLife International Asia. https://www.birdlife.org/asia/country/philippines/philippine-eagle-conservation-philippines
