In celebration of Environment Month and Philippine Eagle Week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10 is intensifying efforts to protect the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity in the Philippines.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
DENR-10 is strengthening its campaign for the conservation of the Philippine Eagle and its forest habitat. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and restoration, breeding and release programs, community education, and research on eagle biology. Protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries have been established, and anti-poaching laws and enforcement have been strengthened.
Ronald D. Gadot, Sr., the Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services at DENR-10, emphasized the need for constant protection, noting that the Philippine Eagle requires at least 7,000 hectares of forest to live in, highlighting the importance of preserving large forested areas.
The Majestic Philippine Eagle: A National Treasure
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 massive, arched beak, strong talons, and a striking crest of feathers. Standing at one meter in height, with a wingspan of about two meters (6.6 feet) and weighing up to eight kilograms (18 pounds), it primarily preys on mammals, including monkeys. These raptors are endemic to the Philippines and inhabit the forested areas of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
Community Involvement and Future Steps
Local communities are encouraged to join the effort to protect the Philippine Eagle. Education programs and conservation activities are conducted to increase community understanding of the eagle’s plight and the importance of biodiversity. DENR-10 urges the public to support conservation organizations, participate in community awareness programs, advocate for stronger environmental policies, and practice 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 species but also for maintaining healthy ecosystems that support diverse life forms. Dahonog emphasized that conservation is a collective responsibility and that every action counts.
