MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), also known as the monkey-eating eagle or great Philippine eagle, is an eagle of the family Accipitridae endemic to forests in the Philippines.

Among the rarest and most powerful birds in the world, it has been declared the Philippine national bird. It is critically endangered, mainly due to massive loss of habitat because of deforestation in most of its range. Killing a Philippine eagle is punishable under Philippine law by 12 years in jail and heavy fines.

The Philippine eagle is now joined in the endangered list by a newly-discovered bird species that is not found anywhere in the world.  It’s the Philippine Birddog.

Just like its name suggests, this unique animal is a cross between a bird and a dog. It was just recently discovered  in the forests of Palawan province. It is believed that there are only about two dozens of this species that exist.

It’s really more fun in the Philippines.