DAVAO CITY, MAY 30- A research is being planned to see if there are genetic differences or mutation between Philippine Eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in Mindanao and those found in Luzon.
Dennis Salvador, president of the Philippine Eagle Foundation said that scientists are trying to look at the genetic variations of the Philippine Eagles found in the different islands of the Philippine Archipelago. The research will be conducted by the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Scientists believe that there are genetic differences between the eagles because of the long isolation between the eagle populations of Mindanao and Luzon, Salvador said. However he added that that there is no or a slight difference in the appearance of Philippine Eagle found in Luzon and those in Mindanao.
They are looking at the angle of dietary variations as eagles from Mindanao and Visayas have flying lemurs (Cynocephalus volans) as staples of their diet while there are no flying lemurs in Luzon. Salvador said adding that they are still researching on the food habits of Philippine Eagles in Luzon.
Philippine Eagles have been discovered in the Sierra Madre ranges and just last year was also found to inhabit the Cordilleras with the discovery of living species in Apayao.
It is estimated that there are 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles left in the wild. Most of the eagle are well distributed in the island of Mindanao, according to Salvador the highest concentration of the eagles are found in the Eastern Mindanao corridor and in Bukidnon, places still with extensive forest cover.
Salvador however said that eagle populations in these parts of Mindanao are threatened by habitat destruction particularly with the advent of logging and mining operations in these areas.
Aside from the eagles in the wild there are 35 Philippine Eagles in captivity all kept in Davao City inside the sprawling Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this 2012. (PIA 11/RG Alama)
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