CONSERVATION BREEDING
The PEF has successfully produced 28 eagles in the Philippine Eagle Center since 1992 – still a long way off towards augmenting their population in the wild.
But we are polishing our breeding protocols with the goal to produce suitably reared Philippine eagles that behave like wild eagles when they are released in the forest. Captive-bred eagles must also be healthy and fit to thrive in the wild.
We apply cooperative artificial insemination and natural pairing techniques in breeding Philippine eagles at the PEC.
NATURAL PAIRING
Natural pairing involves introducing male and female Philippine eagles to attempt to pair them for breeding. Most pairings may take months before compatibility takes place, and even then it may take years before successful breeding occurs.
PAIRING ATTEMPT
Prospective pairs are placed in an enclosure with a cyclone wire partition that allows male and female eagles to see each other while keeping them safe from any untoward behaviors. Due to their territorial nature, Philippine eagles during pairing attempts may display aggression. Once in a pairing enclosure, the eagles are observed for compatibility.