CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10 is intensifying its campaign to protect and preserve the Philippine Eagle and its habitat in celebration of Environment Month and Philippine Eagle Week.
The Philippine Eagle, scientifically known as Pithecophaga jefferyi, is one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Proclaimed as the national bird through Proclamation No. 615 signed by then-President Fidel Ramos, the Philippine Eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, has a distinctive appearance with a massive, arched beak, strong talons, and a striking crest of feathers that forms a mane-like appearance.
It stands at one meter in height, has a wingspan of about 2 meters (6.6 feet), and weighs up to 8 kilograms (18 pounds). Unlike many other eagles, it primarily preys on mammals, including monkeys, hence its nickname.
These raptors are endemic to the Philippines and inhabit the forested areas of the Sierra Madre and Cordillera Mountain Ranges of Luzon, as well as Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. However, despite their majestic appearance, they are now considered critically endangered due to deforestation and human encroachment on their habitats. This is why the DENR-10 continues to bolster its campaign for the conservation and preservation of the Philippine Eagle and its forest habitat.
“Based on the classification of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the international status of the Philippine Eagle is considered critically endangered, which means only a few are left, and we estimate there are only 400 pairs, below the IUCN threshold of 500 pairs,” said DENR-10 Conservation and Development Division Chief Roel Dahonog.
Ronald D. Gadot, Sr., the Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services at DENR-10, further stated that witnessing the Philippine Eagle in its natural habitat demonstrates the forests’ thriving biodiversity and the need for constant protection. He also noted that this bird requires at least 7,000 hectares of forest to live in.
To ensure the protection of these species, conservation efforts by the environment department include habitat protection and restoration, breeding and release programs, community education and engagement, and research on eagle biology and ecology. The environment department has also established protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, and continues to strengthen anti-poaching laws and enforcement.
Local communities are encouraged to be part of this endeavor in the protection and preservation of the Philippine Eagle. Education programs and conservation activities are conducted to make the community stewards of the environment, increasing their understanding of the eagle’s plight and the importance of biodiversity.
Preserving the Philippine Eagle requires collective effort. DENR-10 urges the public to get involved by supporting conservation organizations through donations and volunteer work, participating in community awareness programs, advocating for stronger environmental policies, and practicing sustainable living to reduce their ecological footprint.
The community is urged to report any sightings of the Philippine Eagle in the wild, including those that have been captured or injured, as well as any illegal activities such as hunting, killing, and trapping eagles to the nearest DENR office.
Protecting the Philippine Eagle is crucial not only for preserving a unique and majestic species but also for maintaining healthy ecosystems that support diverse life forms, including humans. Dahonog said conservation is a collective responsibility, and every action counts. (JAKA/PIA-10)
