The Mana-ul, or White-bellied Sea Eagle, is a large native bird found in tropical rainforests and in islands like Pan De Azucar Island in Iloilo. It has a white head and belly with dark gray wings and a wingspan of up to 218 cm, making it easy to recognize in flight. Some young eagles were captured and raised in captivity because they lost their hunting skills, and the government allows them to stay with people instead of releasing them. This eagle is important in nature as a top predator that helps keep fish and marine populations balanced and serves as a sign of environmental health. Locals also believe its behavior can warn of approaching storms, adding cultural significance. The species is critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, hunting, and climate change, so strict laws protect it to help ensure its survival.
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Photo Credit/s:
Kathryn Dian A. Del Rosario, 2024
Mappers:
Kathryn Dian Del Rosario, Van Lloyd Cudilla
Tags:
bird conservation Philippines, captive birds Philippines, Climate Change Impact, conservation efforts, critically endangered species, environmental health indicators, Environmental Protection, Filipino cultural beliefs, Filipino culture, fish population control, Habitat Loss, hunting threats, Icthyophaga leucogaster, large raptors, local biodiversity, Mana-ul, native birds Philippines, Pan De Azucar Island, pollution impact, rare species protection, storm prediction birds, top predator birds, tropical rainforest birds, White-bellied Sea Eagle, wildlife protection laws
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