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The Harpy Eagles:  Endangered species; the responsibility of looking after them

( A report from the field)
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One of our goals is the conservation of endangered species, such as the Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), one of the four biggest eagles in the world and the most powerful of all of them.  With a wingspan of 2 metres across, from wing to wing, they are mega-predators of the tropical forest.  However, there is very little scientific registers about the Harpy eagle.

The Harpy eagle is more than a mega-predator; it is a healthy-habitat indicator..

A mega-predator, it is at the top of the ecological pyramid and feeds on it.  Ironically, this means it depends on how well the rest of the pyramid is doing, in order to survive

I June of 2002, the first active nest of a harpy eagle was found in the Ecuador wilds.  SIMBIOE understood the event as a unique opportunity to study the species and started monitoring and investigating the bird.

I August 2002 the government, by decree of the Ministry for the Environment, declared this bird to be a species representative of Ecuador's biodiversity.
 

SIMBIOE believes that a conservation project's objective should provide not only the tools that provide a species' or ecosystem's preservation, but the entire system's integrity which involves the social aspects of it. For the Harpy eagle's research, SIMBIOE will be involved in the creation of a scientific station located at the Cuyabeno Faunisitc Production Reserve.  The station will facilitate the logistics for the studies and the expectation is to generate resources that would feedback the conservation effort made by the indigenous ethnics that collaborate with the projects (Siona, Secova, Quichua and Cofan).  The Harpy eagle research will be extended to the Coast and we will start working with raptors in Andean regions.

As well. the project hopes to include other threatened local species such as migratory birds, pink dolphins and manatees, by means of a long term integral project. 

Presently, 5 juveniles have been located and are being monitored to:

  • Learn about the status of the birds in Ecuador and look for their biological requirements.

  • Placing satellite monitored tags to trace them (dispersion of juveniles)

  • Develop a programme of environmental education directed towards the local communities who inhabit the same areas as the birds (Cofanes, Sionas, Secovas, Quichuas, Huaoranis, Shauaras

  • Train local people (indigenous) to work in the project as native researchers

  • Take measures for the conservation of this species at national level ( Strategies for National Conservation)

  • We have also found nests of other raptors such as Morphnus guianensis and  Spizeatus omatus  and these are being monitored as well

 

                                  

                                          The in-field team, researchers and natives
© NBPT             Last updated: 18 October 2006                      

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