Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) Classified as Critically Endangered

Key facts

• The Philippine eagle, scientifically known as Pithecophaga jefferyi, is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• It is one of the largest raptors globally, with adults standing approximately one metre tall and possessing a wingspan of nearly two metres (6.5 feet).
• Fewer than 500 mature individuals are estimated to remain in the wild, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and forest degradation.
• The bird is an apex predator that feeds on monkeys, flying squirrels, civets, bats, snakes, birds, and reptiles.
• Its habitat is largely restricted to primary dipterocarp forests in the Philippines, with territories covering more than 100 square kilometres.
• The species has a slow breeding cycle, typically laying one egg every two years and reaching sexual maturity at age seven.
• Conservation efforts, including captive breeding programmes and protection laws, have been in place since the 1970s.