Javan hawk-eagle numbers dwindling

Javan hawk-eagle numbers dwindling

JEMBER, East Java: A chief conservationist expressed concern
on Tuesday over the decreasing number of Javan hawk-eagles in the
country, Antara reported.

The population of Javan hawk-eagles is estimated at no more
than 200 and it is feared their numbers will continue to dwindle,
the head of Meru Betiri National Park, Indra Arinal, said. The
park has only 12 hawk-eagles.

He feared the endangered species would be extinct in several
years.

"Javan hawk-eagles are predators and also often feed on their
own kind," he said.

He said efforts to save then, including through breeding
programs, had largely failed because of the difficulties in
creating the right habitat for the creature.

Javan hawk-eagles live in 25-meter to 30-meter high trees and
lay eggs only once every two or three years.