WORKING WITH TROPICAL FOREST EAGLES: Q & A with the Philippine Eagle Foundation

The Philippine Eagle is classified thus:
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom – Animalia
Phylum – Chordata
Class – Aves
Order – Accipitriformes
Family – ACCIPITRIDAE
Genus – Pithecophaga
Species – P jefferyi


They are a keystone and a flagship species
Endemic to the Philippine archipelago
Classed as Critically endangered by the IUCN.
37 individuals in captivity
Breeding season starts in August, ending in February, unless there is a chick in which case this takes two years to rear

Skills
There are 36 species of raptor in the Philippines. Ornithologists need to be able to differentiate one from another
You need to have a head for heights
You need good communication skills (see video for why)
For research, a strong statistical background, GIS skills
Falconry skills for education

Knowledge Gaps and Projects

Mortality rates in the wild
Longevity in the wild
Reproductive biology and turnover rates
Territory size
Dispersal patterns on Luzon and Samar
What is the density of eagles on other islands in the Philippines?
Are cyclones a factor in population decline on Luzon?
And climate change?
Prey base density. Do wild eagles have enough food
Impacts of releases on Leyte.
Genetic studies using feathers.
Human/eagle relationships and conflict management in the uplands
Disease profiling in wild eagles by collecting blood samples: fungal/viral/bacterial.


Written and Produced by
John Beaumont

Film Editor
Alan Beaumont


Guest
Dr Jayson Ibanez

Film/Stills
Dr Jayson Ibanez
Irick Francisco

Opening Titles
Jackson Roger

Thanks to
The Philippine Eagle Foundation