A new Philippine eagle is born

By Henrylito D. Tacio

Davao City- Just as the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) was busy preparing for its 38th anniversary, a new eaglet was born last January 16.

“Riley’s arrival is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the importance of unity in protecting our natural heritage. Together, we are making a lasting impact,” PEF wrote in a Facebook post to mark their 38th anniversary.

Riley is the 31st chick breed by PEF. Its hatching is said to be first-ever documented unassisted natural hatching. “(It is) a true testament to the resilience and strength of our conservation efforts,” it said.

According to PEF, Riley is the offspring of two eagles named Sinag and Dakila. The Eagle Cement Corporation is adopting Riley. “(This reinforces) our shared commitment to preserving these magnificent creatures for future generations,” the foundation said.

The Philippine eagle – described by famed American aviator Charles Lindbergh as “the world’s noblest flier” – was declared by then President Fidel V. Ramos as the country’s bird icon.

The Philippine eagle is second only to the Madagascar sea eagle in rarity. In size, it beats the American bald eagle; it is the world’s second biggest after the Harpy eagle of Central and South America.

The national bird was being collected in the country as early as 1703, but it was not until 1896 that it was “discovered” in Samar by the English naturalist, John Whitehead, who called it the “Great Philippine eagle.”

Today, the Philippine eagle is nearing extinction. There are several reasons but one of these is the breeding of these birds. Scientific American surmised: “One of the big hurdles in conserving the Philippine eagle is that each breeding pair requires a range up to 40 square kilometers to adequately feed and rear their offspring, which makes it particularly vulnerable to deforestation.”

Unlike men, Philippine eagles are monogamous. Once it has selected a partner, it is for keeps forever. “Once an eagle reaches sexual maturity – at around five years for males – it is bound for life with its mate. They can be seen soaring in pairs in the skies,” PEF states.

According to PEF, the breeding season ranges from as early as July to as late as February. During the breeding season, the eagles do aerial courtship and mate in the nest or near it.

The female eagle lays only one egg every two years, PEF informs.  Both parents alternately incubate the egg for about 60 days, although the female spends more time incubating while the male hunts.

Upon hatching, the eaglet remains in the nest for about 5.5 months. Once it fledges, the parents will continue to look after the young eagle for as long as 17-18 months teaching it how to fly, hunt, and to survive on its own. The young eagle matures in about six years.

“Our data suggests more than 90% of juvenile eagles die before they reach maturity,” discloses Salvador.  “A large part of this is caused by humans. Eagles were shot, trapped, and hunted.”

Efforts to save the Philippine eagle were started in 1965 by Jesus A. Alvarez, then director of the autonomous Parks and Wildlife Office, and Dioscoro S. Rabor, another founding father of Philippine conservation effort.

The Philippine eagle is truly a Filipino pride. This is the reason why they have to be protected and saved from disappearance from this part of the world. If only Philippine eagle could speak, these would be his pleading:

“I have watched forests disappear, rivers dry up, floods ravage the soil, droughts spawn uncontrolled fires, hundreds of my forest friends vanish forever and men leave the land because it was no longer productive.  I am witness to the earth becoming arid.  I know all life will eventually suffer and die if this onslaught continues.  I am a storyteller, and I want you to listen before it’s too late.” – ###