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Protect the Philippine Eagle and its Habitat

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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

The Philippine eagle is facing extinction due to multiple factors such as habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. Taking the pledge to protect this incredible bird!


The Philippine Eagle is one of the largest and most majestic raptors in the world. With a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 14 pounds, it is a formidable predator that commands respect and admiration1. It is also a symbol of national pride and an important part of the country's cultural heritage. However, despite its iconic status, the Philippine Eagle is in grave danger of extinction2.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Philippine Eagle as Critically Endangered, the highest level of threat for any species3. Latest estimates suggest that there are fewer than 400 nesting pairs of Philippine Eagles left in the wild, making it one of the rarest and most threatened eagles in the world4. The main reason for this decline is habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, as well as hunting and trapping5.

The natural habitat of the Philippine Eagle is the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, particularly on the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao6. Over the past few decades, these forests have been under intense pressure from logging, mining, and agricultural expansion7. In Mindanao, for instance, an estimated 40,000 hectares of forest are cleared each year due to commercial timber extraction, unsustainable farming practices, and mining8. This habitat loss and fragmentation have severely impacted the Philippine Eagle's breeding success and ability to find food.

Human activities that directly target the Philippine Eagle also pose a threat. Some farmers and hunters see the eagle as a threat to their livestock and crops, and they will shoot or trap them9. Others capture them illegally for the exotic pet trade or for their feathers, which are highly prized. Even though hunting and trade in the Philippine Eagle are illegal10, the enforcement of wildlife protection laws is weak, and poaching continues to be a major threat to the species11.

The Philippine Eagle's status as an apex predator also makes it vulnerable to environmental toxins and pollution12. These eagles are at the top of the food chain, and any contamination that enters their food supply can accumulate in their bodies and cause health problems. For instance, pesticides used in agriculture can poison their prey, and mercury from mining operations can affect their reproduction and survival13.

To save the Philippine Eagle from extinction, urgent and sustained conservation efforts are needed. First and foremost, the protection of remaining habitats is crucial. This requires stronger law enforcement and better governance to prevent deforestation, mining, and other harmful activities. In addition, efforts must be made to restore degraded habitats and promote sustainable land use practices, such as agroforestry, that allow for the coexistence of people and wildlife14.

To reduce the threat of hunting and poaching, conservationists must engage with local communities and raise awareness about the importance of the Philippine Eagle and the need for its protection. This involves promoting alternative livelihoods, such as ecotourism and sustainable agriculture, that can provide income without harming wildlife15.

Conservationists must also continue to monitor the health of Philippine Eagle populations and address any emerging threats, such as the spread of diseases or pollution16. This requires a long-term commitment to research and monitoring, as well as collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Individuals can also take action to help save the Philippine Eagle from extinction. There is still hope for its survival if we take immediate and sustained action to protect its remaining habitats, promote sustainable land use practices, and engage with local communities.

Take the pledge to save the Philippine Eagle and ensure a stable future for these beautiful birds!

More on this issue:

  1. Lindsey Jean Schueman, One Earth (23 February 2023), "Giant Philippine eagle: the world's largest eagle known as the 'monkey eater'."
  2. Ronica Valdeavilla, Culture Trip (3 January 2018), "Philippine Eagle: 11 Facts About The Philippines' National Bird."
  3. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (1 October 2016), "Philippine Eagle."
  4. Jake Buehler, NewScientist (D M Y), "There may be just 800 of these endangered eagles left in the wild."
  5. J Kahlil Bohol Panopio, Marivic Pajaro, Juan Manuel Grande, Marilyn dela Torre, Journal of Raptor Research (September 2021), "Conservation Letter: Deforestation-The Philippine Eagle as a Case Study in Developing Local Management Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples."
  6. Flora Sison, Animal Diversity Web (2020), "Pithecophaga jefferyi great Philippine eagle."
  7. Rhett Butler, Mongabay (14 July 2014), "Philippines."
  8. Jayson Ibanez, Whitley Fund for Nature (2023), "Conserving The Philippine Eagle On Mindanao Island."
  9. Brad Miller, Mongabay (24 December 2018), "Critically endangered Philippine eagle hangs on despite horde of threats."
  10. Ador Vincent S. Mayol, Cebu Daily News (28 June 2014), "Illegal trade of exotic, native birds."
  11. Conservation International (28 June 2014), "Protecting Biodiversity In The Philippines."
  12. Qihua Huang, Hao Wang, Mark A Lewis, Journal of Theoretical Biology (25 April 2015), "The impact of environmental toxins on predator-prey dynamics."
  13. Margarita N. Lavides and Darlene May Lee, The Swaddle (4 May 2021), "How Toxins, Pesticides Travel Through the Food Chain to Our Plates."
  14. Aditi Murti, Earth Law Center (10 September 2018), "Seeds of Hope for Earth Law in the Philippines."
  15. Bruneu Darusalem-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, "Case Studies on Sustainable Ecotourism, Agriculture, and Fisheries in BIMP–EAGA."
  16. Christina Larson, Associated Press (30 August 2021), "Birds of prey face global decline from habitat loss, poisons."
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The Pledge:

The Philippine Eagle is a magnificent and iconic species that is facing an uncertain future. Its decline is a result of multiple factors, including habitat loss, hunting, and pollution.

As such, I pledge to take actions to help save the Philippine Eagle from extinction by:

5. Reducing my ecological footprint

I will make an effort to reduce my carbon footprint by using less electricity, conserving water, and reducing waste.

4. Being mindful of my consumption

I will make informed choices when purchasing products, and avoid buying items that contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction.

3. Advocating for policy change

I will write to my elected officials and urge them to support laws and regulations that protect the Philippine Eagle and its habitat.

2. Educating others

I will share information about the plight of the Philippine Eagle with friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to take action to help save this magnificent bird from extinction.

1. Supporting conservation efforts

I will donate to organizations that work towards protecting the Philippine Eagle and its habitat, and I will encourage others to do the same.

Greater Good Charities is committed to the long-term protection and preservation of land all around the world, with special concentration in the areas where its species are most threatened. Greater Good Charities is committed to providing a balance between humanity and the planet so that both can cohabit naturally and harmoniously. Your donations to these programs protect critical habitats by shielding the natural flora and fauna of the region and preventing land from being altered in significant and detrimental ways.

We can save the Philippine Eagle from extinction by taking these sustained actions to protect the species' remaining habitats, promote sustainable land use practices, and engage with local communities.

Pledged by,

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