New UP Mindanao–PEF genetic study strengthens conservation breeding and reintroduction plans
Photo courtesy: Philippine Eagle Foundation
DAVAO CITY (December 15) — For decades, conservationists have worked to save the Philippine Eagle one careful pairing at a time. Now, science is helping them look deeper — not just at family trees, but at the maternal bloodlines that could determine the species’ survival.
Scientists from the University of the Philippines Mindanao–Philippine Genome Center (UPMin–PGC) and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) have completed the first-ever mitochondrial genome study of Philippine Eagles from the Greater Mindanao Faunal Region (GMFR) — a breakthrough that gives conservation breeding a powerful new genetic guide.
The study, published in the international open-access journal Ecology and Evolution, analyzed mitochondrial DNA from 32 eagles housed at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) and the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary (NBBS).
Low diversity — but a crucial surprise
The findings confirm a sobering reality: Philippine Eagles share very low overall genetic variation, a sign of how close the species is to extinction.
But the study also delivered encouraging news.
Despite decades of captivity and rescue operations, the PEF’s breeding population still retains a remarkably high diversity of maternal lineages, or haplotypes — genetic signatures passed down from mother to offspring.
Michael G. Bacuse, lead author and researcher at UP Mindanao and PGC Mindanao, said this discovery directly strengthens conservation breeding.
“By mapping these maternal lineages, PEF can now secure new genetic stocks from the wild and pair birds more strategically — aiming to preserve as much genetic diversity as possible in every chick that hatches,” Bacuse explained.
In fact, the study found that all 17 known haplotypes detected in the research are present among captive-bred eagles — meaning today’s breeding stock holds the remaining known genetic variation of the species.
Science meets long-term conservation work
For PEF, the findings validate nearly four decades of careful pairing, record-keeping, and field expertise.
PEF Executive Director Dennis I. Salvador said the study shows that the foundation’s breeding strategy has successfully preserved rare bloodlines ex situ.
“These insights tell us where new genetic stocks can be secured from the wild and guide us in choosing pairs and release candidates more wisely,” Salvador said. “This helps keep the gene pool healthy as a long-term safety net against extinction.”
The research also identified two major genetic clusters of Philippine Eagles and highlighted geographically distinct maternal lineages from Samar, Mt. Pantaron Range, Mt. Busa–Kiamba, and Mt. Kampalili–Puting Bato — areas now seen as critical for future genetic representation.
One distinct haplotype was traced to Samal Island Natural Park, underscoring the importance of protecting smaller and often overlooked habitats.
From Mindanao labs to global science
UP Mindanao Chancellor Dr. Lyre Anni E. Murao, a co-author of the study and leader of the university’s wildlife genomics work, said the research shows how local partnerships can generate globally relevant science.
“Our students and young researchers are helping decode the genome of our national bird — and turning that knowledge into concrete tools for saving it,” she said.
The study also confirmed the Philippine Eagle’s placement within the Circaetinae subfamily of the raptor family Accipitridae, alongside species such as the crested serpent eagle — demonstrating how mitochondrial genomes can serve as practical tools for threatened species with limited full-genome data.
Guiding future releases to the wild
Moving forward, PEF plans to integrate the new genetic insights into breeding and reintroduction programs at the NBBS. Pending government approval, the foundation aims to secure new genetic stocks from regions with unique maternal lineages to support future releases in Luzon and Leyte, where suitable eagle habitats still exist.
Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) welcomed the study, calling it a boost to national conservation efforts.
Dr. Cynthia P. Saloma, former PGC executive director and dean of the UP Diliman College of Science, said the project shows how genomics can support frontline conservation.
“The Philippine Eagle symbolizes the nation’s forests,” she said. “This work demonstrates how the PGC network can help understand — and save — our national bird.”
Further studies on the nuclear genomes of Philippine Eagles are already planned, opening the door to even more precise conservation strategies.
Why maternal DNA matters
Unlike nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited almost entirely from the mother and changes slowly over time. This makes it a powerful tool for tracking maternal lineages — especially in critically endangered species with small populations.
By identifying how many maternal lines remain, scientists can design smarter breeding plans, strengthen genetic health, and increase the chances that future Philippine Eagles will thrive — not just in captivity, but once they return to the wild.
In the fight to save one of the world’s rarest raptors, the answers, it turns out, lie in the genes passed quietly from mother to chick.
