Save Me: Pithecophaga jefferyii

(The first in a profile series highlighting several threatened species known to inhabit the Abaga Falls area.)

The people know me as Pagasa or the Monkey-eating eagle or even the great Philippine Eagle. The Filipino people refer to me in stories and in legends that they pass down through the generations. They emblazon my likeness on coins and military insignias. But few actually know me and even fewer have actually seen me in the wild.

I inhabit the lush tropical forests of the Southern Philipinne islands. In places like Abaga Falls, where I can hunt and raise my young without danger or disturbance.

All of that has been changing lately though. The humans continue to press further and further into our forests. At last count, there are less than 300 of us in the northern Mindinao area. We are killed to protect livestock, hunted for sport or kidnapped to be sold as exotic pets.

Worse, the areas that we often hunt and rear our young is being decimated for use as farmland. The trees we use to stand vigil and keep watch over our domain are being cut down to use as lumber.

At this point, all we can do is keep hope. Hope that the humans who often play the role of our enemies, will realize that it is only they who have the power to be our protectors and saviors.

Would you like to know more about me?

The Philippine Eagle Foundation

Philippine Eagle on Wikipedia