THERE are currently around 400 pairs of Philippine eagles nesting in the territories of Mount Apo and other forested areas in Southeastern Mindanao, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

Dennis Salvador, director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), said on Monday, February 21, 2022, that the current 400 pairs may still decrease.

“It’s the best information we have (right now). However, the population has probably decreased based on recent data of increased rescues resulting from human prosecution,” Salvador told SunStar Davao.

Culture-based conservation manager of the Philippine Eagle Foundation Jimbea Lucino said the critically endangered status of the Philippine Eagle is attributed to loss of habitat due to degradation of the forest and the environment.

Lucino said Philippine eagles are a territorial species that claims around 4,000 to 10,000 hectares of domain, but 7,000 to 12,000 hectares are needed for a nesting pair. Their natural habitat, needed for the eagles’ survival, is getting smaller since forest areas are becoming smaller as well.

Lucino added that around 10 Philippine eagles were rescued and turned over to PEF for care after they were found trapped in the forest. She said traps are often set up by indigenous peoples or from outsiders for leisure and commercial purposes.

“The Philippine eagle has a nature to look for food in the forest and walking is one of its traits, that is why it is not far that often they are trapped,” Lucino said.

Salvador said over 1,000 pairs of Philippine Eagles or around 2,000 individual eagles should exist in order to say that they are not critically endangered anymore.

The Philippine eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, can be found in Mindanao, parts of Leyte, Samar, and parts of Luzon. However, Salvador said that the eagles may already be extinct in Leyte, and the PEF has little information on the possible population in Luzon.

Lucino said it is important for everyone to be educated about the Philippine Eagle in order to protect the species and the environment.

“It is actually an education for all from ridge to reef for us to discern the connection of the Philippine eagle to a healthy environment,” she said.

The Philippine eagle is one of the rarest and largest birds in the world that can live up to 40 years in captivity.

It is protected under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act that prohibits killing and illegal possession of the said eagle. (With reports from PIA)