Philippine Eagle

Photograph by: Klaus Nigge, National Geographic March 2008

The Philippine Eagle’s Precarious Existence

By Christy Ullrich

ver. 2 - Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 10:20:33 PM
National Geographic

The Philippines, the only country where this species exists, has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Over 90 percent of primary forest has already been lost, hindering the eagle’s survival. Though hunting the bird is now illegal, the government has been trying to attract investors and may favor mining interests over preserving the eagles’ habitat, which often overlaps with targeted mining sites.

Such activities change the environment in ways that also affect humans. In recent decades a series of devastating floods and mud slides as well as an increase in river siltation have taken a toll on both the Philippine human population and the region’s biodiversity.

Certain conservation measures are already in place to help protect the comparatively scant number of surviving eagles. Legislation has been passed to prohibit hunting and protect nests, as well as to survey the birds’ habitat, create public-awareness campaigns, and step up captive breeding. The bird inhabits the protected areas of the northern Sierra Madre Natural Park on Luzon and Mt. Kitangland and Mt. Apo Natural Parks on Mindanao.

Conservationists and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) are also trying to increase awareness of the eagle’s plight. The government of Mati and the PEF recently established the 17,300-acre Cabuaya Forest as a protected area for the eagle. Dennis Salvador, PEF executive director, says, “We are working to establish six more areas in the eastern Mindanao corridor area within the next two years.”

Advocates for the eagle are also raising awareness through educational lectures and visits to the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City, Mindanao. Thousands of visitors come each year to learn about this raptor.