The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), is a Neotropical species of eagle. It is found from Mexico, through Central America and into South America.
Although the Harpy Eagle still occurs over a considerable range, its distribution and populations have dwindled considerably. It is threatened primarily by habitat loss provoked by the expansion of logging, cattle ranching, agriculture and prospecting. Secondarily, it is threatened by being hunted as an actual threat to livestock and/or a supposed one to human life, due to its great size.
In addition to captive breeding efforts, conservation organizations are also trying to train the local people in Central and South America on how to care for these endangered species and live in harmony with them. Also, eco-tourism is being used as a method to help save the threatened habitat of the harpy eagle. With people coming in to look for these raptors and to see a genuine rainforest, it is more profitable for the South American countries to promote eco-tourism than to cut down the forests.
Despite gains made in captive breeding and protection of the rainforest due to eco-tourism, the harpy's future is still not secure. More education is needed to ensure that local peoples in South and Central America recognize this bird as an endangered species and do not kill this bird for sport. We also need to make sure that people all over the world are aware of the harpy's plight because the more people are educated about the harpy, the better chance it has for survival.
The near-threatened Harpy Eagle is one of the world's largest birds. These beautiful eagles need our help! Help save them from extinction and spread the word!
