PHILIPPINE EAGLE( Pithecophaga jefferyi )

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
Genus: Pithecophaga
Species: P. jefferyi
Binomial name: Pithecophaga jefferyiv
Local Name: Haribon, Manaol
Family Accipitridae: Kites, Hawks, Eagles
Size: 97.6 to 102.6 centimeters 2 meters wing span
Endemic: 100-300 animals left
Ranger: Reported in Leyte, Samar, Sierra Madre Range and Mindanao only.
Conservation status: Critically endangered

The Philippine eagle has a highly arched, powerful bill. It is bluish in color. Its crown and crest are yellowish with brown shaft streaks. The upper parts are rich brown in color with pale edges to feathers; Its tail is dark brown with blackish bars and has a white tip. The underparts are gray white with buff thighs and has brown shaft stripes. This bird's feet is yellow.

The Philippine Eagle is very scarce. It Inhabits the mountains, forests and the clearings of Luzon, Mindanao, Samar and Leyte and nests in large trees on natural platforms some 30 meters off the ground. It usually flies above the forest canopy but most of the time it hides in the forest. It mostly eats large snakes, hornbills, civet cats, monkeys and flying lemurs. This powerful bird is in danger of extinction because of deforestation and human persecution.

This is the great eagle of Asia- one of the largest birds of prey in the world. It is found only in the Philippines. There are barely 100 of these giant eagles left in the wild because of hunting and loss of forest habitat. Attempts have been made to breed this birds in captivity. In 1992, these efforts bore fruit. Much work, however, remains to be done.

PHILIPPINE TARSIER

Latin name: Tarsius syrichta
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Tarsiidae
Common name: Philippine Tarsier
Species authority: Linnaeus, 1758
Size: 61.5 to 67.9 cm
Range Reported in Leyte, Smar, Bohol and Mindanao only
Biome: Terrestrial
Population: Unknown

The Philippine Tarsier is found on the islands of Leyte, Mindanao, Bohol, Maripippi, Siargo, Basilan, Dinagat, and possibly Samar.

There is very little scientific data regarding the population, population trend, or major threats to the Philippine Tarsier. Therefore it is not currently known (July, 2003) if the species is threatened or endangered. However, this seems highly probable.

When considered in proportion to it's body the Tarsier's eyes are the biggest among all animals. They are, however, fixed in their sockets and cannot move. To see sideways, a tarsier must turn its head. Fortunately, tarsiers can turn their heads 180 degrees. They also have paper thin ears that can be twisted are phenomenal leapers and nocturnal hunters. These animals have been reported in the forests of Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Mindanao. Other species are also found in Borneo and Sumata. Efforts to breed them in captivity have so far been unsuccessful.

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