Saturday, June 11, 2011

Philippine Eagle - King of Philippine Skies


The Great Philippine Eagle 
(Pithecophaga Jefferyi)

The Philippine Eagle, or the Monkey-Eating Eagle, known locally as "Haribon" or "Haring Ibon," which means "Bird King", and whose scientific name is Pithecophaga Jefferyi, is one of the largest, and most powerful forest-dwelling eagles in the world. It is endemic to the Philippines and can only be found in the islands of eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. 


Also known as the Monkey-Eating Eagle

As early as the 1960s ornithologists have predicted its extinction, and in 1965, the Philippine Eagle was declared an endangered species. Loss of habitat due to the irresponsible exploitation of our forest, massive mining, and uncontrolled hunting is the primary cause that nearly drove the Philippine Eagle to its near extinction. It is now considered as one of the rarest eagle in the world with fewer than 500 Philippine eagles are estimated to survive and remain in the wild today.


Haribon
(Which means "King Bird")

In July 1995, President Fidel V. Ramos declared the Philippine Eagle as the Philippines' National Bird.


Banog
(The Eagle's local name)

Facts about the Philippine Eagle:

Also known as the Great Philippine Eagle, of Monkey-Eating Eagle
   
Spanish: Aguila Comemonos, Aguila Monera
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Pithecophaga (1)
Size Length: 91 cm (2)
Wingspan: 2 m (2)
Weight 6.5 kg (2)


One of the largest, and most powerful forest-dwelling eagles in the world


The Philippine Eagle was declared an endangered species in 1965


Considered as one of the rarest eagles in the world


Larger than the American Bald Eagle


The Philippines' National Bird


King of Philippine Skies




Signage at the entrance of the Philippine Eagle Center


The Philippine Eagle Center

The largest number of Philippine Eagles reside in the rain forests of Mindanao, with over 200 breeding pairs in captivity at the Philippine Eagle Center at Malagos Village, Calinan, Davao City.


Welcome signage

The Center is home to the Philippine Eagles, which are held captive, cared for, and bred. It also houses other species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The Center is tasked to protect and provide sanctuary to Philippine Eagles. While it is primarily a conservation breeding facility of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, it is open to the public for educational purposes. Simulating a tropical rain forest environment, the Center offers visitors a glimpse into the Philippines’s forest ecosystem. The facility is also considered a major tourist attraction in Davao City with its lush gardens and scenery.


Another signage leading to the Center's entrance


Lush greenery at the Center


The new visitors’ lounge of the Philippine Eagle Center

The Visitor's Lounge of the Philippine Eagle Center was constructed to provide a favorable impression on visitors, and to help the Philippine Eagle Foundation promote its conservation efforts. The opening of the Visitor's Lounged on June 4, 2008 was headed by then Department of Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, and Philippine Eagle Foundation President Lt. Gen. William K. Hotchkiss III (Ret.). The event was also attended by Department of Tourism-XI Regional Director Sonia Garcia, Congressman Vincent Garcia of Davao City 2nd District, Department of Tourism Under Secretary Eduardo Jarque Jr., and Executive Director Dennis Salvador of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. An average of 100,000 people visit the Philippine Eagle Center annually.


Marker of the Visitor's Lounge


Here are some of the photographs of newly-born Philippine eaglets.







Vice President Jejomar Binay (left) turns over a PhP125,000 check to Philippine Eagle Foundation president retired Air Force chief Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss III for the care of the former's adopted eagle, "Scout Binay."
(Photo by GMA7)

On December 3, 2010, Philippine Vice-President and Regional Scout Committee Chairman Jejomar C. Binay adopted a Philippine eagle which is now named “Scout Binay.” 

Under the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, which Binay is the National President, the Eagle Scout is the highest award a Scout can receive. An environmental advocate, Chairman Binay vowed that he will not only adopt “Scout Binay” during his term as Vice President but is committed to take care of the Philippine eagle and encourage Filipinos to share in protecting the environment.



Then 4 month old named "Scout Binay"
(One of the many Philippine Eagles bred at the Philippine Eagle Center)


Fully grown Scout Binay
(7 years old)


Another eagle named Pagasa


Feathers of the Philippine Eagle
(On display at the Center)


Poster


Eagle's Deck Cafe


Closer view of the Cafe


Other species at the Center


One of the many other signage scattered all over the Center


How to get to the Philippine Eagle Center

The Philippine Eagle Center is about 45 minutes to 1 hour drive, depending on traffic, from the city and can be reached either by private or public transport. Buses going to Calinan depart every 15 minutes from the Annil Terminal at corner of Elpidio Quirino Avenue, and San Pedro Extension. Bus fare is minimal and a 10-minute ride on pedicab (a local 3-wheeled bicycle transport popular in Davao City) is also readily available.


Entrance Fees

The facility charges a nominal fee, the proceeds of which are used to support conservation efforts of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. However, guided tour and use of kiosks in the facility are free of charge.


Tours and Reservations

Guided tour is free of charge. It is advisable that visitors call the Philippine Eagle Foundation office and book in advance to ensure the availability of tour guides. 


Contact Information

Philippine Eagle Foundation and Philippine Eagle Center
Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City 8000, Philippines
PO Box 81015 Davao City
Tel. No.: (+6382) 271-2337
Email: info@philippineeagle.org





3D illustration of the Durian and the Philippine Eagle

Amazing artwork by Jeffrey Duhaylungsod and Donnie Ray Lopez, both Dabawenyos, and their 3D illustration of the Durian and the Philippine Eagle. Colored chalks as base, with chalk pastels for the details are used as medium, done and on display at the Parking C of NCCC Mall Davao City.


Artist's sketch of the Philippine Eagle


Pin back button depicting the Philippine Eagle


Below is a list of organizations that are working closely to help conserve and protect one the world's largest and rarest eagles, the Philippine Eagle. 


Philippine Eagle Foundation 

The Philippine Eagle Foundation is a private, non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to saving the endangered Philippine Eagle. Organized in 1987, it had before that time been operating as a project undertaking research, rehabilitation, and captive breeding. 


The Peregrine Fund

The Peregrine Fund's programs focus on the conservation of national and international birds of prey. The organization works with the Philippine Eagle Foundation on several initiatives, including  captive-breeding and release program.


BirdLife International

The Philippine eagle is included in the BirdLife Species Champions campaign, which is designed to help 189 birds facing imminent extinction.






Eagle Conservation Alliance

The Eagle Conservation Alliance's mission is sustaining the populations of more than 70 different eagle species. The alliance engages in a number of conservation activities, including assisted-reproduction training for Philippine Eagle Management.

4 comments:

  1. good day! thanks for the sketch...im using it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Eagle was on of my Favorite animal. Eagles are "fighter", when storm is on their way they will just go on top of it. that's why they use the term "soar like an Eagle."


    -------
    philippine trivia

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi! I would like to know if the sketch above is free to use. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kawawa naman yung ibon pinangalan kay binay...

    ReplyDelete

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