Justification This long-lived species qualifies as Critically Endangered because it has an extremely small population, as a result of extremely rapid declines in the past three generations (56 years) owing to extensive deforestation. Recruitment to the adult population currently appears to be very low indicating that declines may continue into the future. Confirmation of trends is required and may lead to a change in status in the future.

Family/Sub-family Accipitridae

Species name author Ogilvie-Grant, 1897

Taxonomic source(s) Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

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 but 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 (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

180 - 500

decreasing

146,000 km²

Yes

Range & population Pithecophaga jefferyi is endemic to the Philippines, where it is known from eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Mindanao supports the bulk of the population, with recent research estimating 82-233 breeding pairs¹. Estimates from other islands are of six pairs on Samar and perhaps two on Leyte, and Luzon may have very few left; but these should be considered precautionary figures⁷. An earlier estimate using 1992 forest-cover data suggested 226 mature individuals, with a total population, including immatures, of c.350-670 birds. Extrapolations across all islands based on the density of nests located on Mindanao suggest a total of 340 pairs, however it is unknown whether the species reaches similar densities on the other islands, particularly Luzon, and this figure should perhaps be treated with caution⁹. Poor recruitment to the breeding population was previously thought to be a key factor in this species's decline⁴, but recent research suggests that the dispersal and survival of juveniles and subadults is of greater concern⁹. The first release of a captive-reared bird took place in 2004 when a male was released into the forest of Mount Apo, Mindanao³. Unfortunately this bird was electrocuted nine months after release, and another rehabilitated bird released on Mindanao in 2008 was killed by a hunter four months after release, but further experimental releases are planned^8,10, preceeding a full scale reintroduction programme to supplement wild populations⁶.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

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. Estimates based on the distribution of nests in Mindanao suggest that each pair covers an average of 133 km², including an average of 68 km² of forest⁹. On Mindanao eagles begin nesting from September to December in primary and disturbed forest, with some differences in the timing of breeding between Mindanao and Luzon². A complete breeding cycle lasts two years with successful pairs raising one offspring². Birds form a monogamous bond for life with sexual maturity for females at around five years and for males at around seven years⁸. The young fledge after c 4-5 months, but stay in the nest vicinity for almost a year and a half⁸. Captive birds have reached more than 40 years of age⁸.

Threats Forest destruction and fragmentation, through commercial timber extraction and shifting cultivation, is the principal long-term 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 pose an additional threat. Uncontrolled hunting (for food and, at least formerly, zoo exhibits and trade) is perhaps the most significant threat in the short term⁹. Naive juvenile birds are easily shot or trapped, as are adults nesting near forest edges⁸. Birds are also vulnerable to accidental capture in traps intended for wild pigs and deer, and there are several records of individuals caught in snares presumably whilst hunting on the forest floor⁸. Pesticide accumulation is another potential but unproven threat which may reduce its already slow reproductive output.

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. A Philippine Eagle Foundation exists which runs the Philippine Eagle Centre in Davao City, Mindanao and oversees captive-breeding efforts and monitoring and conservation of wild populations⁵; in 2008 there were 32 eagles at the centre, 18 of which were captive bred, and the Foundation are working towards the development of a full reintroduction programme¹⁰.

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. Investigate genetic differences between birds on Luzon and those on Mindanao, Samar and Leyte and take findings into account when planning releases of captive-bred and rehabilitated birds⁹.

References 1. Bueser et al. (2003). 2. Ibañez et al. (2003). 3. Block (2004). 4. Miranda (2006). 5. Salvador (2004). 6. Salvador and Ibañez (2006). 7. Collar et al. (1999). 8. J. Ibanez in litt. (2008). 9. Miranda et al. (2008). 10. Philippine Eagle Foundation (2008).

Further web sources of 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

The Peregrine Fund - Philippine Eagle Conservation Project

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), James Lowen (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Contributors Jayson Ibanez (Philippine Eagle Foundation)

IUCN Red List evaluators Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Pithecophaga jefferyi. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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