#ShareDavao: Is there a future for the Philippine eagle

DAVAO, Philippines – Around 400 Philippine eagles are left in the forests of the Philippines. Dignified and intense, the country’s national bird may lose the battle for survival. Time is running out for the endangered bird.

Nikki Luna reports.

Biasong the eagle is perched on a tree stump, mighty and regal. The feathers on his head resemble a crown.

But Biasong can no longer fly.

Two years ago, he lost his left wing to gunfire in a war-torn town in Davao Oriental. He was rescued and turned over to the Philippine Eagle Nature Sanctuary in Davao City.

Davao’s charms go beyond fun and thrill. Within its forests live a majestic bird – the eagle with the longest wingspan – the Philippine eagle. Getting near this wonder of wonders will rekindle your love for all creatures big and small.

Biasong is one of the Philippine eagles under the care of the Sanctuary.

The Philippine eagle is one of the largest in the world, but is also one of the rarest.

PUROY ENTROLIZO, CARETAKER, PHILIPPINE EAGLE CENTER: (Nikki: In the wild 400 are left?) Estimated na population yan. (That’s the estimated population count.) (Nikki: Here, 35?) Oo, 35. (Yes, 35.)

The Philippine Eagle is classified as critically endangered. The survival of the lord of the skies depends largely on preserving its habitat.

With around 80 percent of the tropical rainforests gone, the lords of the skies are disappearing at an alarming rate. The reality is staring us in the face, our children may not see this magnificent bird.
Nikki Luna, Rappler, Davao City.

For more on Davao city, watch Rappler’s new travel show, #SharePH. – Rappler.com