Two pieces of information are minimally required to conserve endangered raptor species — (i) an estimate of its remaining global population, and (ii) the main factors responsible for its decline. Data suggest that no more than 400 adult pairs of the Critically Endangered Philippine Eagle could remain in the wild. As to what is causing population decline, shooting and hunting continue to be the primary factor while forest habitat loss is another. This paper reflects on the growing incident of human-caused deaths in Philippine Eagles, prominently on Mindanao Island where estimates suggest more than half of the eagle’s wild population exists. By analyzing data from eagle rescues, surveys, and field monitoring through radio and satellite tracking techniques, this paper shows that shooting and trapping is a “clear and present” danger which may potentially drive the population to extinction even when suitable forest habitats still exist. Cases of death within the last decade show that the nature and/or extent of law enforcement, conservation education, and population and habitat monitoring fall short of being effective deterrents to eagle persecution in the wild. We review emerging theories on wildlife crime and cases of community-based species conservation to justify a holistic and grounded approach to preventing eagle poaching as an alternative to the conservation status quo.
Wildlife, such as non-volant mammals and birds, play a vital role in the maintenance of ecosystem health. They are considered ecological engineers that influence forest vegetation. However, due to deforestation, habitat loss, and human persecution, its population status has declined over the years. This study aimed to conduct a species inventory and assess the relative abundance of non-volant mammals and birds in the unprotected regions of the Mt. Apo Range, Philippines, through camera trapping methods. Furthermore, the anthropogenic threats observed in the study areas were also documented. A total of 1,106 camera trap days were carried out in 2016 and another 500 days in 2020. Based on 260 independent sequences for both the 2016 and 2020 surveys, 12 species were identified, consisting of eight non-volant mammals and four birds. Among the identified species are the Endangered Philippine Brown Deer Rusa marianna & Philippine Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis philippensis and the Vulnerable Giant Scops-owl Otus gurneyi & the Philippine Warty Pig Sus philippensis. Video evidence of the Philippine Warty Pig Sus philippensis performing an important ecological role as an ecological engineer in the Philippine tropical forests were also captured for the first time. Another 61 independent sequences of unidentified rodents were detected in the camera traps, requiring further species monitoring techniques. Conservation must be strengthened beyond the protected landscapes of the Mt. Apo Range through community-based forest governance. This will ensure that the forest vertebrates are protected and conserved from further anthropogenic pressures.
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