Crested serpent eagle

　The Crested Serpent Eagle, representative bird of Ishigaki Island. While this eagle is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, the Crested Serpent Eagle inhabiting the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island, is an endemic subspecies to Japan and designated as endangered. Its ecology remained largely unknown until its breeding was confirmed by a wildlife photographer in 1981.

　In recent years, traffic accidents involving young individuals appear to be increasing. During this trip, I observed them perched in roadside trees, hunting frogs and insects. 

　On Ishigaki Island, golf course construction by resort companies is progressing, and resident groups have filed lawsuits as their habitat is threatened. I hope Ishigaki Island remains a place where they can live in peace.