BirdLife Species Factsheet (concise)

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CR	Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)

Justification This flagship species qualifies as Critical because it has an extremely small,

rapidly declining population, estimated to number perhaps fewer than 250 mature individuals. Since the 1960s, there have been strong and repeated predictions of its impending extinction.

Identification 86-102 cm. Huge eagle with large, deep bill and elongated nape feathers forming shaggy crest. Dark face, creamy-buff crown and nape with black shaft-streaks. Rest of upperparts dark brown. White underparts and underwings. Pale grey iris, dark grey bill, yellow legs with huge dark claws. Juvenile as adult though upperpart feathers fringed pale. Voice Loud, high-pitched whistles. Begging juvenile gives regular series of high-pitched cries. Hints Generally unobtrusive. Adults occasionally display on warm mornings. Listen for begging juveniles which are dependent on parents for many months.

Population estimate	Population trend	Range estimate	Country endemic?
226	decreasing (continuing)	146000 km²	Yes

Range & Population Pithecophaga jefferyi is endemic to the Philippines, where it is known

from eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Based on 1992 forest-cover data, it is estimated that there may be as few as 226 mature individuals, with the total population, including immatures, estimated at c.350-650 birds (assuming a 25-50 km² pair-range size, 40% occupancy of available habitat and only one fledged young produced per pair annually). On this basis, Luzon and Mindanao support the bulk of the population (an estimated 52 and 53 pairs respectively), with about six pairs on Samar and perhaps two on Leyte; but this should be considered a precautionary calculation.

Ecology It inhabits primary dipterocarp forest, particularly in steep terrain, sometimes frequenting secondary growth and gallery forest (but not occupying open canopy forest), from lowlands to at least 1,800 m.

Threats Forest destruction and fragmentation, through commercial timber extraction and shifting cultivation, is the principal threat. Old-growth forest continues to be lost rapidly, such that as little as 9,220km² may remain within the eagle's range. Moreover, most remaining lowland forest is leased to logging concessions. Mining applications and uncontrolled hunting (for food and, at least formerly, zoo exhibits and trade) pose additional threats. There is also evidence that it accumulates pesticides which reduce its already slow reproductive output.

Action CITES Appendix I and II. Since 1970, various initiatives have been launched, including the passing of legislation prohibiting persecution and protecting nests, survey work, public awareness campaigns, captive breeding and a socio-economic project to alleviate pressure on an eagle territory whilst increasing local economic prosperity. It occurs in several protected areas including the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park on Luzon, and Mt Kitanglad and Mt Apo Natural Parks on Mindanao.

Targets *Conduct further research into distribution, numbers, ecological needs and threats. *Extend the protected-areas system to embrace known eagle nests and habitat. *Implement habitat management schemes for the benefit of wildlife and local people. *Integrate eagle-friendly practices into forestry policy. *Launch a campaign to engender national pride and respect for the eagle.

References Collar et al. (1999).

Further information

Fully detailed species accounts from the Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001), together with new information collated since the publication of the Red Data Book

Citation This account is based upon information published in: BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx edicions and BirdLife International. It includes updated information that is periodically uploaded onto the web site. Recommended citation: BirdLife International 2003 BirdLife's online World Bird Database: the site for bird conservation. Version 2.0. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Available: http://www.birdlife.org (accessed 21/6/2004)