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.