The Philippine Eagle is sadly Critically Endangered - mainly due to massive loss of habitat resulting from deforestation in most of its range; In 2010, the I.U.C.N. and @birdlife_insta listed this species as Critically #Endangered.
Among the rarest and most powerful birds in the world, it has been declared the Philippine's national bird. Killing a Philippine eagle is actually punishable under Philippine law with up to 12 years in prison and heavy fines.
Despite the presence of laws protecting them they are still being shot or captured. Very often mostly out of fear and ignorance. At least one Philippine Eagle is killed every year because of shooting.
Each breeding pair requires a large home range to successfully raise a chick, thus the species is extremely vulnerable to #deforestation.
At that time, the I.U.C.N. believed that between 180 and 500 Philippine eagles survive in the Philippines. In 2015, about 600 were estimated to be left in the #wild. ▪️Threats: Mining, pollution, exposure to pesticides that affect breeding, and #poaching are also major threats but they are primarily threatened by deforestation through logging and expanding agriculture.
Additionally, sometimes they are caught in traps laid by local people for deer. ▪️Facts: *The Philippine eagle is reportedly very loyal. Once paired with a partner, they choose to remain as a couple for the rest of their LIVES. 🙌
*Hunting in pairs, one Philippine eagle will act as a decoy, while the other swoops in with a surprise attack on a group of monkeys.
Super awesome work and love the paintings... waiting for the shipment to arrive.. thank guys and Esperanceco team.