SAGIP SARIHAY #4
Species: Pithecophaga jefferyi Ogilvie-Grant, 1896 (Philippine Eagle)
Words by Kat Esposo
Artwork by Mikaela Mesia
Description
The monkey-eating eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi Ogilvie-Grant, 1896 or the Philippine Eagle is an endemic, critically-endangered species and is named the national bird of the country (BirdLife International, 2021). The upper feathers of P. jefferyi are rich brown, with pale edges, while its long, dark-brown feathers with cream margins on their head and nape form a distinguishable crest (Sison, 2006). Another notable feature is its large, bluish-gray, high arched deep bills and yellow, heavy legs, which have powerful talons that they used when catching prey (Sison, 2006) (Philippine Eagle Foundation, 2019). This eagle species has a monogamous pairing and produces an average of one to two eggs per breeding season (Sison, 2006). Likewise, the Philippine Eagle plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, as it lies on top of the food chain. Besides naturally regulating the population in its environment, it also serves as an “umbrella of protection” to other organisms found within its territory (Philippine Eagle Foundation, 2019).
Locality
This well-known avian species has been usually recorded in the Islands of Leyte, Samar, Luzon, and Mindanao.
Threats
The most common cause of endangerment of the species is humans, in which they are hunted as ‘trophies,’ or for their feathers (Sison, 2006). Anthropogenic activities such as illegal logging and exploitation of resources are also causes of their habitat degradation and declining population (Philippine Eagle Foundation, 2019)
Solutions to Address Endangerment
Currently, the Philippine Eagle Foundation leads the conservation of the said species. Science-based programs and strategies were established to conserve the remaining population. Activities such as extensive research, establishment of the Philippine Eagle Center for conservation breeding, conservation education, as well as partnerships with government agencies and private organizations, were done in the past years (Philippine Eagle Foundation, 2019).
References
BirdLife International. 2018. Pithecophaga jefferyi (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22696012A129595746. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22696012A129595746.en.
Global Raptor Information Network (2021). Species account: Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi., The Peregrine Fund Global Raptor Information Network, Retrieved from http://www.globalraptors.org/grin/SpeciesResults.asp?specID=8312 (Accessed on January 9, 2021).
Panopio, J. K. (2017). Survival Blueprint for the Philippine Eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi, Edge of Existence, Retrieved from https://www.edgeofexistence.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Survival_Blueprint_Pithecophaga_jefferyi.pdf (Accessed on January 9, 2021).
Philippine Eagle Foundation (2019). Annual Report, Google Drive, Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x_70IvNX__QsfAYRx9R8rzFgrAWJFyEg/view (Accessed on January 9, 2021).
Philippine Eagle Foundation (2019). Our Mission, Philippine Eagle Foundation, Retrieved from https://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/the-foundation (Accessed on January 9, 2021).
Philippine Eagle Foundation (2019). The Philippine Eagle, Philippine Eagle Foundation, Retrieved from https://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/the-philippine-eagle (Accessed on January 9, 2021).
Pithecophaga jefferyi Ogilvie-Grant, 1896 in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei (Accessed on January 9, 2021).
Sison, F. 2006. “Pithecophaga jefferyi” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web, Retrieved from https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pithecophaga_jefferyi/ (Accessed on January 9, 2021).
