LOOK: Philippine Eagles' Aerial Courtship at Mount Apo Captured in Photos
The sight was captured by a DENR team.
(SPOT.ph) Nature has a way of leaving us in awe—and it did just that when a rare courtship ritual between two critically endangered Philippine Eagles came into view against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Apo Natural Park.
A dedicated team from Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mount Apo Natural Park Protected Area Management Office (DENR-MANP) Cotabato set out to monitor Philippine Eagles in their natural habitat from November 6 to November 11. Little did they know that they would witness a rare courtship dance between two of these majestic eagles high up in the sky.
“The male and the female eagles performed aerobatics and locked their talons together as they soared high into the sky to begin their courtship. During the process, the pair also vocalized what seemed to be distinguishing calls in order to communicate and strengthen their pair bond. As the courtship progresses, the pair engaged in intricate mid-air dances, spiraling dives, and impressive maneuvers that highlight their grace and power,” DENR wrote in a Facebook post.
The courtship was caught on camera just in time for the eagles' breeding season, which is typically observed from October to December. Observers also witnessed a female Philippine Eagle perched on a White Lauan tree, feeding on a Philippine Long Tailed-Macaque given by the male eagle.
Also read: Philippine Eagle Sent to Singapore to Breed Dies at 19
The Philippine Eagle situation in the country
This makes the mating ritual even more important when taking into account that there are only an estimated 392 pairs of Philippine Eagles left in 2023 as per Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
Last September, Philippine eagle Geothermica passed away at 19 years old from a lung infection at Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore. He was on a breeding loan program together with a female Philippine eagle to save the local species from extinction.
"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," DENR wrote in a Facebook post.
Conservation efforts are ongoing, with teams protecting and monitoring these eagles in key habitats like Mt. Apo Natural Park.
Take look at the courtship between two Philippine Eagles
Also read: Philippine Eagle Found Dead, Another Setback in Fight Against Extinction