Goals:
Large forest eagles, such as the Harpy Eagle, suffer tremendously from habitat loss and human persecution. Conservation projects for this species, whether through captive breeding and release, vigorous scientific study, or community education, are key to its long-term survival and the on-going preservation of the large tracts of forest on which the eagle depends. We will make the techniques used and expertise gained by our field biologists available to others working with large forest eagles and provide support and guidance to similar conservation efforts around the globe.
Background:
Harpy Eagles are endangered in Central America, and with current conditions continuing, South American populations may become threatened. Protection of large tracts of pristine lowland forests—among the most species-rich environs of the planet—and proper connectivity are needed to secure long-term survival, along with an end to shooting by humans. The Harpy Eagle can act as an umbrella species: by conserving it we can also effectively conserve a broad selection of biodiversity. A successful species restoration program signifies that it is possible to take positive steps toward improving the environment.
Our restoration of Harpy Eagles began in 1990 with an experimental program of captive breeding and releases to the wild. A total of 46 captive-bred birds have been released in Panama and Belize since 1998. The captive breeding phase ended in 2006 and the last captive birds were released in 2008. This experimental program produced knowledge and experience that will be useful in ensuring the survival of this and other large, tropical forest raptors. We will continue to monitor released eagles in the wild for as long as possible.
Highlights of the program include successfully and predictably breeding Harpy Eagles in captivity, determining that eagles released at an older age (18 months) had a 100% survival rate and took much less time to reach independence, observing that some released eagles have begun to show signs of nesting behavior, and gathering important data on diet, dispersal, and home ranges for this species. We continue to monitor released eagles with satellite tracked PTT and VHF telemetry systems in Panama and Belize. Eagles released in Belize have covered long distances and have traveled as far as southern Mexico and the Peten region of Guatemala.
Recent Results:
In 2010-2011
In Panama…- We conducted an over flight over Soberania National Park to locate two captive-bred birds, but were able to pick up the signal of only one, a female that we later trapped for relocation in Belize. However, due to issues with obtaining export permits from the Panamanian National Environmental Authority, the bird was re-released into Soberania National Park in September.
- A wild sub-adult female that had been shot in Darien, Panama, and brought to our facilities for care continued to do well after being released into Soberania National Park. She was captured, her transmitter changed, and re-released. Another wild female shot in Darien and rehabilitated before release into Soberania National Park, also continued to do well.
- Tracking of released Harpy Eagles with satellite PTT and VHF telemetry systems in Belize showed the birds have traveled into Mexico and Guatemala.
- A female that was originally released and became independent in Belize was seen on numerous occasions with prey, including a spider monkey. After almost two years in the Calakmul Nature Reserve in Mexico, she occupied territory in Guatemala. Her PTT and VHF transmitters have failed. Once feared dead, she was observed in 2007 and again just outside Tikal National Park, Guatemala, in 2010 indicating that she is still doing well.
- A male that was relocated and released in Belize in 2009 showed up in 2010 near the town of Spanish Lookout, where he spent several days in a small patch of forest. We tracked the bird’s movements from the ground and visited with local community members to ensure that they were aware of the eagle’s presence and would not harm him. The bird returned to Rio Bravo and continues to do well.
- We lost the signals of two other birds but believe they are alive and doing well in Rio Bravo.
Challenges:
Project Links:
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Location Note:
Panama, Belize, Guatemala, and southern Mexico
Species involved
- Harpy Eagle — Harpia harpyja
People involved in this project:
Cooperating Partners:
- Belize Forestry Department
- Belize Zoo
- City of Knowledge
- Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund
- Ecological Police
- National Environmental Authority (ANAM)
- Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
- Programme for Belize
- Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation
Combined Federal Campaign # 10639
