By Patricia Lanzagarita
CRITICALLY endangered Philippine Eagles’ rare display of aerial courtship was captured by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Mount Apo Natural Park Protected Area Management Office (MANP PAMO Cotabato) in Mt. Apo Natural Park.
The rare glimpse of the mating ritual was witnessed by the Philippine Eagle Monitoring Team of the MANP PAMO Cotabato during a Philippine Eagle Monitoring activity.
As the pictures showed, the eagles were seen to be performing aerobatics while their talons are locked together as they soar high in the sky.
During the process of courtship, the female and male eagles were vocalizing to communicate and strengthen their pair bond.
In the midst of the process, the eagles showcased their power and grace by engaging in intricate mid-air dances, spiraling dives, and maneuvers.
“The eagles engaged in the courtship symbolize not only their readiness for procreation but also the critical role that breeding pairs play in maintaining the population growth and survival of their kind,” the DENR Soccsksargen said.
This sighting was even more amazing and has a greater significance because the mating was discovered during the breeding season of the eagles which usually runs from October to December.
According to the DENR, the existence of the mating eagles in Mt. Apo proves the healthy ecosystem of the place, which gives the birds the access to vital resources such as suitable nesting sites.
“The endeavors of DENR demonstrates committed conservation and provide optimism for the Philippine Eagle’s sustained existence, highlighting our shared obligation to protect these remarkable avians for upcoming generations.” the agency stated.
The team also stressed that the documentation emphasizes the ongoing monitoring and habitat protection that are vital to the conservation of the mighty Philippine Eagle.
Source: DENR Soccsksargen
(AI/MNM)