Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga Jefferyi) is the national bird of the Philippines, locally referred to as Haribonwhich suggests “King of Birds”. These rare birds of prey are endemic to the Philippines.
They survive only 4 islands: Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Because they will only be found on these specific islands, they’re at high risk of extinction. These eagles cannot fly long distances over the ocean in the hunt for latest homes if their forest habitat is destroyed.
Philippine eagles are considered one in all the biggest, rarest and strongest birds of prey on this planet. However, based on the Philippine Eagle Foundation, also they are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and it’s estimated that only 400 pairs remain within the wild.
A striking giant from the sky
Philippine eagles are famous for his or her huge size and unique appearance. They can grow as much as 3.3 feet long and have a wingspan of about 7 feet, making them one in all the widest birds of prey on this planet.
Their most beautiful feature is the crest of long, brown feathers on their head, which looks like a lion’s mane. They even have a big, dark beak with a tint of blue, neon yellow feet and striking pale grey-blue eyes that may see eight times more clearly than humans.
Moreover, these eagles have sharp and powerful talons with which they catch their prey. They are built ideally for all times within the forest, and use their speed and agility to hunt easily among the many dense trees.
Habitat, breeding and life cycle
Philippine eagles are solitary and highly territorial creatures. A single pair needs between 4,000 and 11,000 hectares of forest land to thrive within the wild, depending on the quantity of prey available in the world.
They are considered an “umbrella species” on account of their high habitat needs. Protecting their vast territory mechanically protects all the opposite plants and animals living around them.
When it involves nests, they typically construct their huge homes high in large dipterocarp trees, especially native species corresponding to the Lauan tree present in steep mountain forests. In captivity, these eagles can live as much as 40 years or more. Their lifespan is probably going much shorter within the wild on account of natural challenges and habitat loss.
Their population has difficulty recovering since it takes them a protracted time to expand their families. These eagles take 5 to 7 years to turn into sexually mature and able to breed. Once they’ve formed a lifelong relationship, the feminine lays just one egg every two years.
Both parents take turns incubating the egg for about 58 to 60 days until it hatches. For the primary 40 days of an eagle’s life, the mother stays with the young to guard them, while the daddy does many of the hunting to supply food.
The parents will then wait for the offspring to handle the eggs on their very own, which normally takes about two years, before laying one other egg.
Salvation efforts Haribon
Given the dwindling population within the wild, many individuals are working hard to avoid wasting these “King Birds.” Organizations corresponding to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and CIFOR-ICRAF are actively restoring their habitats through a serious project to plant 80,000 native trees.
Environmentalists also work closely with indigenous communities. They train them to turn into stewards of biodiversity.
This initiative helps residents find sustainable ways to make a living without harming trees. Moreover, saving these eagles means protecting each the longer term of the rainforest and the country’s cultural heritage.
