GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 11 December) — Captive Philippine eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) preserve all known maternal genetic lineages of the critically endangered national bird, a new study by the University of the Philippines Mindanao, the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) shows.
The study provides conservationists with a crucial tool to guide breeding and release programs, potentially improving the species’ chances of survival, the PEF said in a press statement dated December 11.
Researchers looked at mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a type of genetic material passed from mother to chick, from 32 eagles at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) and the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary (NBBS) in Davao City.
They found that wild Philippine Eagles have very little genetic variation, confirming that the species is at serious risk of extinction. Captive eagles, however, retain all 17 known maternal haplotypes, or “family lines.”
Maintaining these haplotypes helps keep the birds genetically healthy and gives conservationists guidance on which birds to pair for breeding or release.
“By mapping these lineages, the PEF can now secure new genetic stocks from the wild and pair more birds in a smarter way — aiming to keep as much genetic diversity as possible in every chick that hatches,” the PEF quoted lead author Michael G. Bacus of PGC Mindanao and the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies at UP Mindanao.
The study also identified unique lineages from Samar Island and key biodiversity areas in Mindanao, including Mt. Busa in Kiamba, Sarangani; Mt. Kampalili in Puting Bato, Davao Oriental; and Mt. Pantaron in Bukidnon. Experts say these lineages should be prioritized in future breeding and reintroduction efforts.
Mitochondrial DNA allows scientists to trace bloodlines and manage genetic health. One eagle from Samar, nicknamed “Maslog,” carries a maternal lineage unique to the island.
In the same press release, Dr. Lyre Anni E. Murao, UP Mindanao Chancellor and co-author of the study, noted that the research highlights the importance of locally based science.
“We are proud that the students and young researchers of the UP Mindanao-PGC are helping decode the genome of our national bird and turning that knowledge into concrete tools for saving it,” Murao said.
For the PEF, the findings confirm decades of careful breeding and provide guidance for future programs.
“These insights also show where new genetic stocks can be secured from the wild and can guide us in choosing pairs and release candidates more wisely, so we can keep the gene pool as healthy as possible for the long term as a safety net against extinction” stated Dennis I. Salvador, PEF executive director.
Researchers caution, however, that mtDNA represents only part of the species’ genetic makeup. They recommend follow-up studies using nuclear DNA and additional samples from Luzon, Leyte, and Samar to provide a fuller picture of the Philippine eagle’s genetic health. The PEF also plans to integrate the findings into ongoing breeding and reintroduction programs.
For the Philippine eagle, a symbol of the country’s forests, the study offers rare positive news in the fight against extinction. (Guia A. Rebollido / MindaNews)
