The Philippine Eagle, known for its impressive size and majestic appearance, symbolizes strength in the animal kingdom. However, with its population dwindling, the need to protect this predatory bird has become more urgent than ever.
Habitat and Significance
Endemic to the Philippines, the Philippine Eagle resides in the forested areas of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) notes that the eagle is referred to by various names across the country, including “Haring Ibon,” “Agila,” “Mamboogok,” “Garuda,” “Banog,” “Asinmanonoy,” and “Blok.”
Declared the national bird by then-President Fidel Ramos in 1995, the Philippine Eagle is a significant part of the country’s heritage, often depicted in the cultural artifacts of indigenous groups. It also served as the mascot for the 2005 Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines. In 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas introduced new P1000 polymer banknotes featuring the eagle.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Standing three feet tall with a wingspan of about seven feet, the Philippine Eagle has a distinctive appearance with a massive, arched beak and pointed crown feathers. Weighing up to 8 kilograms, this predator boasts sharp talons and exceptional vision, eight times better than that of humans. Its diet includes bats, flying squirrels, small birds, snakes, and lizards. The eagle nests in forest trees, laying a single egg every two years, and can live up to 40 years in captivity, though less in the wild.
Risk of Extinction
Classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, only about 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles remain in the wild. Deforestation and hunting are significant factors contributing to their decline. Habitat destruction forces these eagles closer to human settlements, where they may prey on livestock. The DENR identifies the reckless use of airguns as a major cause of injuries to these birds.
In 2024 alone, four eagles, including Mangayon, have fallen victim to gunshots. Mangayon’s death from a gunshot wound in Davao de Oro highlights the ongoing threats these birds face. Since 2020, there have been 20 eagle rescues, averaging five per year, which remains alarmingly high.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts to conserve the Philippine Eagle involve both government and non-governmental organizations working to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured birds. Recently, two eagles named “Carlito” and “Uswag” were released in Burauen, Leyte. Forest rangers conduct regular nest surveys and monitoring to maintain eagle populations.
In 2023, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga emphasized the prioritization of two million hectares of forest land for reforestation. Public awareness campaigns are crucial for fostering compassion and concern for the eagles and their habitats.
Loyzaga has urged lawmakers to amend Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, to enhance wildlife crime penalties, expand the enforcement roles of government agencies, and manage invasive species. The House of Representatives passed House Bill 8586 in August 2023, while the Senate version is pending at the committee level.