The Philippine Eagle is one of the largest and most majestic raptors in the world. With a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 14 pounds, it is a formidable predator that commands respect and admiration¹. It is also a symbol of national pride and an important part of the country's cultural heritage. However, despite its iconic status, the Philippine Eagle is in grave danger of extinction².

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Philippine Eagle as Critically Endangered, the highest level of threat for any species³. Latest estimates suggest that there are fewer than 400 nesting pairs of Philippine Eagles left in the wild, making it one of the rarest and most threatened eagles in the world⁴. The main reason for this decline is habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, as well as hunting and trapping⁵.

The natural habitat of the Philippine Eagle is the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, particularly on the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao⁶. Over the past few decades, these forests have been under intense pressure from logging, mining, and agricultural expansion⁷. In Mindanao, for instance, an estimated 40,000 hectares of forest are cleared each year due to commercial timber extraction, unsustainable farming practices, and mining⁸. This habitat loss and fragmentation have severely impacted the Philippine Eagle's breeding success and ability to find food.

Human activities that directly target the Philippine Eagle also pose a threat. Some farmers and hunters see the eagle as a threat to their livestock and crops, and they will shoot or trap them⁹. Others capture them illegally for the exotic pet trade or for their feathers, which are highly prized. Even though hunting and trade in the Philippine Eagle are illegal¹⁰, the enforcement of wildlife protection laws is weak, and poaching continues to be a major threat to the species¹¹.

The Philippine Eagle's status as an apex predator also makes it vulnerable to environmental toxins and pollution¹². These eagles are at the top of the food chain, and any contamination that enters their food supply can accumulate in their bodies and cause health problems. For instance, pesticides used in agriculture can poison their prey, and mercury from mining operations can affect their reproduction and survival¹³.

To save the Philippine Eagle from extinction, urgent and sustained conservation efforts are needed. First and foremost, the protection of remaining habitats is crucial. This requires stronger law enforcement and better governance to prevent deforestation, mining, and other harmful activities. In addition, efforts must be made to restore degraded habitats and promote sustainable land use practices, such as agroforestry, that allow for the coexistence of people and wildlife¹⁴.

To reduce the threat of hunting and poaching, conservationists must engage with local communities and raise awareness about the importance of the Philippine Eagle and the need for its protection. This involves promoting alternative livelihoods, such as ecotourism and sustainable agriculture, that can provide income without harming wildlife¹⁵.

Conservationists must also continue to monitor the health of Philippine Eagle populations and address any emerging threats, such as the spread of diseases or pollution¹⁶. This requires a long-term commitment to research and monitoring, as well as collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Individuals can also take action to help save the Philippine Eagle from extinction. There is still hope for its survival if we take immediate and sustained action to protect its remaining habitats, promote sustainable land use practices, and engage with local communities.

Take the pledge to save the Philippine Eagle and ensure a stable future for these beautiful birds!

More on this issue:

1. Lindsey Jean Schueman, One Earth (23 February 2023), "Giant Philippine eagle: the world's largest eagle known as the 'monkey eater'."
2. Ronica Valdeavilla, Culture Trip (3 January 2018), "Philippine Eagle: 11 Facts About The Philippines' National Bird."
3. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (1 October 2016), "Philippine Eagle."
4. Jake Buehler, NewScientist (D M Y), "There may be just 800 of these endangered eagles left in the wild."
5. J Kahlil Bohol Panopio, Marivic Pajaro, Juan Manuel Grande, Marilyn dela Torre, Journal of Raptor Research (September 2021), "Conservation Letter: Deforestation-The Philippine Eagle as a Case Study in Developing Local Management Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples."
6. Flora Sison, Animal Diversity Web (2020), "Pithecophaga jefferyi great Philippine eagle."
7. Rhett Butler, Mongabay (14 July 2014), "Philippines."
8. Jayson Ibanez, Whitley Fund for Nature (2023), "Conserving The Philippine Eagle On Mindanao Island."
9. Brad Miller, Mongabay (24 December 2018), "Critically endangered Philippine eagle hangs on despite horde of threats."
10. Ador Vincent S. Mayol, Cebu Daily News (28 June 2014), "Illegal trade of exotic, native birds."
11. Conservation International (28 June 2014), "Protecting Biodiversity In The Philippines."
12. Qihua Huang, Hao Wang, Mark A Lewis, Journal of Theoretical Biology (25 April 2015), "The impact of environmental toxins on predator-prey dynamics."
13. Margarita N. Lavides and Darlene May Lee, The Swaddle (4 May 2021), "How Toxins, Pesticides Travel Through the Food Chain to Our Plates."
14. Aditi Murti, Earth Law Center (10 September 2018), "Seeds of Hope for Earth Law in the Philippines."
15. Bruneu Darusalem-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, "Case Studies on Sustainable Ecotourism, Agriculture, and Fisheries in BIMP–EAGA."
16. Christina Larson, Associated Press (30 August 2021), "Birds of prey face global decline from habitat loss, poisons."