Why was the Philippine Eagle called monkey-eating eagle? Kuya Kim explains

Why was the Philippine Eagle firstly known as the monkey-eating eagle?

According to Kuya Kim on Monday's "24 Oras," they were called such because natives thought the birds only eat monkeys for their diet. In the 1960s, this information was debunked.

Philippine Eagles are actually pure carnivores and they eat small mammals, small reptiles, and other small animals.

After its discovery by a British national in 1896, the Philippine Eagle was declared the country's national bird in 1995. Last year, it was presented as the new 1,000-peso bill's design.

Philippine Eagles are now listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature with an estimated number of 400 pairs in the world.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation takes care of the remaining eagles in the country. In December, they welcomed their 29th chick through a breeding program. Last Tuesday, however, it was found dead after getting attacked by a python.

Meanwhile, anyone caught killing or catching a Philippine eagle may be put to jail for 12 years.

—MGP, GMA News