Philippine Eagle
"Perseverance" by Manny Carrasco (digital)
“Those of you that know my passion for birds of prey are not surprised by this magnificent subject. Birds of prey have captivated my imagination since the fourth grade and the reading of , “My Side of the Mountain.” Falconry has been a part of my life for many years now. The respect to these indicator species is one that has taken my childhood imagination to reality. I’ve traveled the world and sought out raptors. They as a species have much to teach us as long as we are opened to listen. This beautiful animal needs human intervention and care, for only this way will this eagle be able to exist.”
Your purchase is helping Expedition Art and Saving Species purchase land in Sumatra! Learn more about the project.
Habitat
Though the Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippine Eagle is only found on the larger islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao.
Family Life
Philippine Eagles are believed to stay with the same mate for their entire lives. However, if their mate is killed, they will search for a new partner, though in the case of the Philippine Eagle, that is getting harder to do.
Lifespan
This species can live up to 60 years of age.
Hunting Habits/Diet
It feeds mainly on flying lemurs, palm civets, monkeys, rats, snakes, flying squirrels, birds and bats. Individual eagles hunt from perches and slowly move downhill from perch to perch before soaring back up the hill upon reaching the bottom. Hunting in pairs, one Philippine eagle will act as a decoy, while the other swoops in with a surprise attack on a group of monkeys.
Population
Although the current population is unknown, it is thought to number fewer than 250 mature individuals.
Fun Facts
Also known as the 'monkey-eating eagle,' because it feeds mainly on monkeys and flying lemurs.
The Philippine Eagle is the world’s largest eagle.
Why are they Endangered?
Deforestation is the major cause of endangerment of Philippine eagle. The loss of habitat also means loss of food and starvation for the eagles. Another cause for endangerment is pollution. The prey of the eagle eats food contaminated with pesticides and toxic heavy metals which accumulate in their bodies over time. When the eagle eats its preys, the pesticides and heavy metals also accumulate in its body and over time, become fatal. Farmers hunting eagles for food or for recreation have also led to the decline in the Philippine eagle.
Status
Critically Endangered
