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Pithecophaga jefferyi
– Critically Endangered
Taxonomy
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Kingdom:
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ANIMALIA
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Phylum:
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CHORDATA
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Class:
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AVES
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Order:
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FALCONIFORMES
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Family:
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ACCIPITRIDAE
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Scientific Name:
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Pithecophaga jefferyi
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Species Authority:
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Ogilvie-Grant, 1897
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Common Name/s:
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| English | — | PHILIPPINE EAGLE |
| French | — | AIGLE DES PHILIPPINES, AIGLE DES SINGES, AIGLE MANGEUR DE SINGES, PITHÉCOPHAGE DES PHILIPPINES |
| Spanish | — | AGUILA COMEMONOS, AGUILA MONERA |
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Assessment Information
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Red List Category & Criteria:
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CR C2a(ii) ver 3.1 (2001)
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Year Assessed:
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2007
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Assessor/s:
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BirdLife International
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Evaluator/s:
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Bird, J. & Butchart, S. (BirdLife International Red List Authority)
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Justification:
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This flagship species qualifies as Critically Endangered 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, driven primarily by habitat loss.
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History:
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| 1988 | - | Threatened (Collar and Andrew 1988) |
| 1994 | - | Critically Endangered (Collar, Crosby and Stattersfield 1994) |
| 2000 | - | Critically Endangered (BirdLife International 2000) |
| 2004 | - | Critically Endangered (BirdLife International 2004) |
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Geographic Range
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Range Description:
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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.350-670 birds (assuming a 25-50 km2 pair-range size, 40% occupancy of available habitat and only one surviving offspring per pair). Mindanao supports the bulk of the population, with recent research estimating 82-233 breeding pairs1. Estimates from other islands are six pairs on Samar and perhaps two on Leyte and Luzon may have very few left; but these should be considered precautionary calculations.
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Range Map:
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 (click for detailed map)
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Countries:
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Native:
Philippines
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Population
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Population Trend:
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Habitat and Ecology
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Habitat and Ecology:
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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.
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System:
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Terrestrial
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Threats
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Threats:
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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.
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Conservation Actions
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Conservation Actions:
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Conservation measures underway:
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.
Conservation measures proposed:
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.
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