Photo by BarrytheBirder
Mongabay, which publishes 'News & Inspiration From Nature's Frontline' recently published a report by Claire Wordley about Harpy Eagles (see photo above of a Harpy which is pictured on the cover of my copy of All the Birds of the World). Wordley's report quotes a recent study in the Journal of Raptor Research that collected records of Harpy Eagle persecution across Central and South America. The study found 132 documented cases of people killing the birds in 11 of the 18 countries in the species' range.
The main reason for shooting the birds? Curiosity and a desire to see the birds up close. Also fears that they may threaten livestock, hunting of the eagles for meat, and capturing them for the illegal wildlife trade. Sadly, projects to protect the birds suffer from a lack of funds.
While the Harpy Eagle's current status on the ICUN Red List is 'near threatened' at the international level, in countries like Brazil, Peru and Venezuela it is vulnerable, plus in Nicaragua it is critically endangered. There is no good reason whatsoever to push this marvelous bird, with the 7.3' wingspan, to the edge of extinction.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder
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