Third annual conference of the Eagle Conservation Alliance

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE

AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF EAGLES OF THE WORLD

L. Kiff, The Peregrine Fund, 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709.

The number of recognized genera of eagles has declined slightly over the past century, but the number of recognized species has increased, partly due to the advent of molecular genetics. Classifications of eagles by the IUCN conservation status criteria are maintained by BirdLife International and the Global Raptor Information Network (“GRIN”). According to these sources, there are 67 (BirdLife) to 76 (GRIN) species of extant eagle species in 19 to 21 genera. (GRIN recognizes 9 species, mostly from the genus Spilornis, which are regarded as subspecies by BirdLife International). According to these schemes, eagles fall into the following categories (GRIN totals in paren- theses): Critically Endangered: 3(3); Endangered: 3(8); Vulnerable: 12 (11); Near Threatened: 12(13); Least Concern or Lower Risk: 37(32); Data Defi- cient: 0(9). Based on GRIN, the rarest eagle species (Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened) are distributed unevenly by zoogeographic region, as follows: Indomalayan (19), Afrotropical (8), Palearc- tic (5), Neotropical (5), Australasian (2), and Nearctic (1). Although direct persecution of eagles, especially shooting, occurs almost everywhere, the in- tensity of other important threats varies by region, with habitat loss or degra- dation being most important in all areas, especially in tropical latitudes, and secondary poisoning ranking high in the Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Nearctic Regions. Among the most pressing needs for global eagle conservation are basic research on the poorly known Spilornis and Nisaetus taxa in the Indo- malayan Region, and, on a global basis, habitat preservation, environmental education, and the termination of lead ammunition manufacture.

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COMMUNICATIONS

EAGLE CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH BY THE PEREGRINE FUND: MADAGASCAR SERPENT EAGLE, MADAGASCAR FISH EAGLE, AFRICAN FISH EAGLE, HARPY EAGLE, AND OTHERS.

R. T. Watson. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, USA.

The Peregrine Fund rediscovered the Madagascar Serpent Eagle (Eutriorchis astur) in 1993, nearly 60 years after the last reliably confirmed sighting of this species. Our current work aims to understand the ecology of the species and use this information to help establish a nationally protected area of ha- bitat for serpent eagles and other highly threatened biodiversity in northern Madagascar. Our work to conserve the endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) spans nearly 20 years of effort and includes in-depth study of the species’ distribution and abundance and factors affecting them, community-based conservation of critical habitat, experimental species ma- nagement, and ongoing population surveillance. The African Fish Eagle (Ha- liaeetus vocifer) is widespread on continental Africa and considered a species at lower risk. The Peregrine Fund is monitoring a population nesting on Lake Naivasha because the historical study begun in the 1960s by Leslie Brown offers long-term data for comparison with the contemporary landscape, and the species appears now to be subject to numerous effects associated with a recent horticultural industry which grows flowers for export and consump- tion in Europe, including water abstraction, contamination with herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, and the effects of a large immigrant human popula- tion of laborers. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is considered near threa- tened and has been the subject of experimental restoration by The Peregrine Fund in the Maya Forest of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico, as well as in the Panama canal watershed. Current work includes monitoring captive raised eagles released to the wild, and studying the species’ population biology in an intact part of its range in Panama. Human persecution and habitat loss are the most important factors limiting the species’ survival. The Peregrine Fund also provides assistance with other eagle species under study and conser- vation worldwide including the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), New Guinea Harpy Eagle (Harpyopsis novaeguineae), Pallas’s Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), and Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus).

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STELLER’S SEA EAGLES (HALIAEETUS PELAGICUS) IN MAGADAN DISTRICT, RUSSIA OVER THE PAST 18 YEARS

1. Utekhina1, E. Potapov2, M. McGrady3 & D. Rimlinger4 1Magadan State Nature Reserve, Magadan, 685000, Russia. 2Bryn Athyn College, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009, U.S.A. 3Natural Research, Ltd, Brathens Business Park, Hill of Brathens, Glassel, Ban- chory, Aberdeenshire AB31 4BY U.K. 4San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 U.S.A.

We studied occupancy and productivity of Steller’s sea eagles (Haliaeetus pe- lagicus) in the Magadan District of Russia since 1991, concentrating mostly on the Magadan State Reserve (zapovednik) and the coastal areas nearby. We were aware of and visited at least once during the study period 281 nesting territories. We were unable to visit all nests in all years, but since 1997 we have collected data from about 100 nests per year. Nesting territories could be divided into sites on rivers or sites on coasts and those which fell within the more strictly protected areas of the zapovednik and those outside of its boundaries. Coastal sites could be along shallow bays with large littoral mu- dflats at low tide or along areas of deep water with little or no littoral zone. Some coastal nesting territories were near sea bird colonies. We report on occupancy and productivity parameters and examine the influence of terri- tory characteristics on these. Overall productivity was significantly less on ri- vers than on the coast. On the coast, nests on shallow bays and near sea bird colonies were more often occupied and were more productive than territo- ries on deep water. We discuss our findings in relation to current estimates of the status of the Steller’s sea eagle and identify useful avenues of research as well as conservation efforts that might benefit the eagles.

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STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF THE GREAT PHILIPPINE EAGLE

D. Salvador. Phillipinne Eagle Foundation, Mindanao, The Phillipinnes.

The Great Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is regarded as one of the most endangered eagles in the world. Habitat loss and human persecution continue to impact the species adversely. These problems are complicated further by a number of human-induced factors. Yet despite these obstacles, sustained conservation initiatives over the years have began to yield positive results. The current population status of the species and threats are outlined in this report. In situ and ex situ actions associated with the conservation of the species show how these threats are being addressed. Recent develop- ments and plans to strengthen recovery goals for the species are also presen- ted in this paper.

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STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF EAGLES IN NEPAL

A. Chaudhary1, H.S. Baral2 1Bird Conservation Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu, Nepal

For a small landlocked nation, Nepal has high bird diversity due to its diverse altitudinal and habitat range. There are 864 species of birds recorded from Nepal with nearly 600 breeding species and 31 globally threatened species. Of the 74 species of Eagles found in the world, 26% (19 species) have been recorded in Nepal. Among them, 6 are globally threatened and 3 nationally threatened. Aquila hastate, A. clanga, A. helica and Haliaeetus leucryphus have been listed as vulnerable and Ichthyophaga humilis and I. ichthyaetus as near threatened in the IUCN Red List. In addition, Aquila rapax, Haliaeetus albicilla and Hieraatus kinerii have been recorded as critically endangered, endange- red and vulnerable respectively for Nepal. Food shortage, poisoning and habitat destruction are the key threats to ea- gles in the country. No concrete work specific to eagle conservation has been carried out. Nepal does not have any eagles in its list of protected animals, however, this list is in the process of being updated. Nepal now has nine na- tional parks, three wildlife reserves, one hunting reserve, four conservation areas and eleven buffer zones covering an area of 28,998.67 sq. km that is 19.7% of the total area of the country. Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have also been identified for Nepal and concentrated conservation work is ongoing in many IBAs. Nepal has a total of 27 IBAs covering 18% of country’s land area, 14 support globally threatened eagle species. Nepal also has eight Ramsar sites, 4 of which support globally threatened eagle species. The conservation of these sites hold the key to conservation of eagles in Nepal.

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STATUS DE CONSERVAÇÃO DE ÁGUIAS NO ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS, SUDESTE DO BRASIL.

G.D.M. de Carvalho1, G. Zorzin1,2, E.P.M. de Carvalho1, C.E.A. Carvalho1, M. Canuto1,3 & C. E. Tameirão Benfica1. 1.S.O.S. FALCONIFORMES – Centro de Pesquisa para a Conservação de Aves de Rapina Neotropicais. Rua Odilon Braga 1.370 Mangabeiras, Belo Horizonte - MG [email protected] 2.Universidade Federal de Viçosa - Programa de Pós-Gradução em Biologia Animal 3. Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto – Programa de Pós-Gradução em Ecologia de Biomas Tropicais

Entre os 27 estados brasileiro, Minas Gerais é o quarto em extensão terri- torial, com uma área de 586.528 km², incluindo três biomas brasileiros: o Cerrado, a Mata Atlântica e a Caatinga. Entre os anos de 1998 e 2009, soma- mos informações sobre as espécies de águias ocorrentes no estado, identifi- cando áreas de ocorrência e reprodução, coletando dados descritivos sobre a biologia e ecologia, além de elaborar estimativas populacionais em distintas regiões do estado. Entre estas, a única que não está inclusa na lista estadual de espécies ameaçadas é a Águia-chilena (Buteo melanoleucus), que apresen- tou tendências sinantropicas, se reproduzindo e caçando no interior da área metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. O Uiraçu-falso (Morphnus guianesis) foi re- gistrado em apenas uma localidade, quando um casal foi observado no Parque Nacional do Caparaó em 1997, podendo ser considerado juntamente com a Harpia (Harpia harpyja) as espécies mais ameaçadas. A ultima foi considerável provavelmente extinta no estado, com registros históricos para a década de 60, e os últimos registros da espécie são de indivíduos isolados documenta- dos no município de Cataguases em 1996 e na região de Tapira em 2006. No entanto essa espécie pode ser considerada extinta no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, maior remanescente de Mata Atlântica do estado com 36.000h, após a realização de quatro anos de censos (2004-2008), não foi mais registrada na reserva. A Águia-cinzenta (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus) é a única águia inclusa na lista nacional e mundial, registramos a espécie em 19 localidades do estado e quatro sítios reprodutivos, sendo que apenas um ninho se encontra em uma unidade de conservação. As três espécies do gênero Spizaetus são classifica- das como em perigo de extinção no estado. Observamos Spizaetus ornatus em 10 áreas diferentes e dois sítios reprodutivos foram documentados, sen- do que um destes ninhos encontra-se em uma área de preservação. S. tyran- nus foi observada em 11 áreas, mas apenas um ninho, sendo o primeiro para

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o estado. Registramos S. melanoleucus em 08 locais e dois sítios reprodutivos em áreas de preservação permanente. Para estas espécies individualizamos como ameaça primária o desmatamento e a descaracterização vegetacional em seus sítios de nidificação. Associada a ameaça principal, a perseguição e a caça aparecem como problema secundário, o que foi documentado atra- vés de entrevistas locais. Como estratégia de conservação imediata é preciso guarnecer proteção total aos sítios de reprodução pré-determinados, além disso, iniciar programas de educação ambiental, visando o descimento de ameaças secundárias como a caça.

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VULNERABLE EAGLE SPECIES AND CONSERVATION ACTION IN VENEZUELA

P. A. Blanco Márquez D.V.M MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA EL AMBIENTE - FUNDACIÓN NACIONAL DE PARQUES ZOOLÓGICOS Y ACUARIOS DE VENEZUELA (FUNPZA). Director Unidad Veterinaria. Torre Sur, MARN, Centro Simón Bolívar, Piso 6, Caracas, Venezuela. Apartado Postal 40028-Caracas 1040. Teléf: +58- 212-4082161. Móvil: +58-414-4588374. E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] EARTHMATTERS. ORG. P.O Box 15251, Gainesville, Fl 32604, USA.

Una proporción significativa de las especies de águilas amenazadas en Venezuela, se encuentran protegidas, debido a que parte de su distribución geográfica está dentro de áreas naturales bajo protección (parques nacionales, monumentos na- turales, refugios de fauna, reservas de biosferas y reservas forestales). Aunado a esto, existen herramientas legales a escala internacional y nacional, que incluyen especies particulares a las cuales se confieren diferentes tipos de resguardo. En el ámbito internacional, la Convención sobre el Comercio Internacional de Especies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres (CITES) incluye mucha de las águilas en sus apéndices (I, II, III), según el grado de amenaza, debido al co- mercio internacional. En Venezuela, existen dos (02) decretos que protegen a las especies de águilas que presentan un grado de amenaza: Decreto Presi- dencial 1.485 (Venezuela 1996a) que declara el listado de animales vedados para la caza y el Decreto Presidencial 1.486 (Venezuela 1996b) que señala el listado oficial de especies en peligro de extinción. Especies protegidas: Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) CITES I, Vulnerable, Decreto 1.485, Decreto 1.486; Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis) CITES II, Vulnerable, Decreto 1.485; Solitary Eagle (Harpyhaliaetus solitarius) CITES II, Casi Amenazada, Decreto 1.485; Black-and-Chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidoris) CITES II, Casi Amenaza- da, Decreto 1.485; Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus ornatus) Decreto 1.485; Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tirannus serus) Decreto 1.485; Black-and- White Hawk-Eagle (Spizastur melanoleucus) CITES II, Decreto 1.485; Black- chester Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis) Decreto 1.485, entre otras. Dentro de las acciones de conservación planteadas para las grandes águilas en Venezuela, se busco establecer lineamientos generales, mecanismos de

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ejecución y acciones prioritarias dirigidas a garantizar la protección, mejorar el conocimiento e incrementar la apreciación de estas rapaces como compo- nente importante de los ecosistemas donde habitan.

Entre los principios estratégicos para la conservación de las grandes águilas en Venezuela se toman en cuenta aquellas especies que presentan un grado de amenaza, planteándose los siguientes puntos:

1) La importancia de los ecosistemas, su integridad y su relación con las co- munidades humanas;

2) La participación activa de las comunidades locales para la conservación y protección de las distintas especies de águilas, a través de los diferentes me- canismos organizativos, tomando en cuenta el conocimiento, apropiación y consolidación de los derechos de todos los pobladores;

3) El uso sostenible de los ecosistemas habitados por las grandes águilas im- plica el mantenimiento de la integridad y el uso racional de los recursos natu- rales: 4) Preservación de los hábitats y ecosistemas necesarios para asegurar poblaciones viables y saludables de águilas, los ecosistemas usados por las comunidades deben ser manejados sin detrimento para estas rapaces y para los servicios ambientales que de allí se derivan para las diferentes actividades humanas; 5) La reducción del flujo genético y la disminución de las poblacio- nes de grandes águilas originadas por la cacería, la fragmentación y la pérdida de hábitat deben ser contrarrestadas actuando sobre sus causas primarias; 6) La generación de conocimientos sobre la ecología y la biología de estas rapa- ces y sobre las variables sociales, económicas y culturales que afectan a estos individuos deben ser fortalecidas a través de mecanismos de cooperación nacional e internacional.

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A BRIEF REVIEW OF THREATENED EAGLE SPECIES IN JAPAN AND THE STATUS AND TRENDS OF THE JAPANESE GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila Chrysaetos japonica)

T. Ozawa The Society for Research of the Golden Eagle.

A Brief Review of Threatened Eagle Species in Japan and Their Threats.

Five eagle species are considered threatened in Japan: White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Steller’s Sea Eagle (H. pelagicus), Hodgson’s Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus nipalensis), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela). Except the Steller’s Sea Eagle, a winter visitor in Northern Japan, other four species are resident breeders in Japan. Although all these species are threatened by habitat distraction and alteration, the two forest species, the Golden Eagle and the Hodgson’s Hawk-Eagle, appear to be most affected by deforestation in mountainous areas. The range of the Crested Serpent Eagle in Japan is limited in some islands and its small popu- lation seems to make the species vulnerable. In addition, lead poisoning at- tributed to the consumption of deer carcasses contaminated with lead shots (mainly two Sea eagle species) and the construction of wind power turbines in their habitats (all but the Crested Serpent Eagle) are great threats to raptor survival in recent years.

The Status and Trends of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos japoni- ca) in Japan.

The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos japonica) is an Endangered Species in Japan with its estimated population of around 500 including about 175 pairs, and its urgent conservation has been required. However, as the fact that an eagle nest site was first found and scientifically recorded in 1937 shows, it has been just less than 70 years since the start of research on the Japanese Gol- den Eagle. In Japan, the Golden Eagle is found in very steep and deep moun- tainous areas. This probably made the surveys of the species extremely diffi- cult at the time under the poor condition of traffic networks including forest roads. In 1980, the Society for Research of Golden Eagle Japan was founded,

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and observers with the ability of identifying Golden Eagles gathered although there were only a handful of such persons. Since then, the members of the Society across the nation have clarified the various aspects of the Golden Eagle on regional and national levels. Concerning reproductive success, the Society probably has covered most breeding pairs, at least two-thirds of the pairs in Japan every year, and accumulated the data about the success rates.

Although the national averages of reproductive success were over 50% at the time of the foundation of the Society, the recent rates are around 20%. In my study area, it is not rare that the success of the year is less than 10%. Such changes are not peculiar to reproductive success. The decline in the number of breeding pairs, and the participation of younger birds to pair for- mation and the expansion of home range following the decline in the number of pairs are also found. Because of this, it is getting improper for only these 20 to 30 years to discuss the Golden Eagle based on the past data. In Japan, food shortage and decreases in suitable foraging habitats are assumed to be the major causes of a decline in the population and reproductive success in the species. This has been confirmed in some pairs in my study area. Howe- ver, some conflicting data have also been obtained in my study area.

Because of the changes showed above, it is believed that conserving the Gol- den Eagle is an urgent need in Japan. For conservation, I think that ever- changing eagle behavior and habitat condition of each pair primarily need to be well understood. Golden Eagles are different in character and various abilities from each other as humans are. Therefore, a conservation program suitable for pairs in a region is not always appropriate to different pairs in a different region. “Careful and close observation” of each bird, though it is classic, is the important first step for eagle conservation. Such observation is absolutely necessary to correctly understand the most up-to-date circums- tances surrounding each pair and consequently to promote the proper con- servation of the species.

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CONSERVATION STATUS OF AN OVERLOOKED THREATENED SPECIES OF EAGLE: LEGGE’S HAWK EAGLE Nisaetus kelaarti

J O. Gjershaug¹, PC. Rasmussen², D. Warakagoda³ and Praveen.J4 1.Norwegian Institute for Nature research, Tungasletta 2, 7485 Trondheim, Norway; 2. Michigan State University Museum and Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, West Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824-1045, USA; 3.9/2 a, Station First Lane, Udahamulla, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka; 4. /779(2), AMBADI, Kunnathurmedu.P.O., Palakkad, Kerala,India.

The Legge’s Hawk Eagle Nisaetus (Spizaetus)kelaarti has recently been split as a distinct species, distributed in SW India and on Sri Lanka. It is associated with primary evergreen forests and is threatened because of fragmentation and loss of habitat. The total population is estimated to less than 1000 pairs. The population in Western Ghats in India is divided in two subpopulations se- parated by the 32.2 km Palghat gap. We suggest that the conservation status would qualify as Vulnerable, because the largest subpopulation has <1000 mature individuals under IUCN criterion C2a(i).

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Conservation Programme of the Bonelli´s Eagle in Aragon

Manuel Alcántara1, Ernesto Ferreiro2, and Andrea Gardiazábal2 1. Gobierno de Aragón. Dirección General de Desarrollo Sostenible y Biodiversidad, Dept. Medio Ambiente, Pº Maria Agustín 36, E-50071 Zaragoza. Spain. [email protected] 2. BIOMA TBC SAL. C/Ceuta 10, E-28292 Galapagar, Madrid, Spain. [email protected]

The Bonelli´s Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) is a species catalogued as endange- red since 2005 in Aragon, due to a decline of the population detected in the last decades, which led from 43-48 counted pairs in 1990 to the actual 32 pairs, producing thus a decrease of more than 33%. In the most illustrative case the Prepyreness subpopulation diminished from 9 to 2 pairs during this period, which means a reduction of nearly 80% of the known pairs.

The principal risk factors focus on threats to the habitat and direct threats to the individual. The former include changes of land use and of the availability of prey species and contribute to a decline of the reproductive efficiency of the pairs. The latter produce high rates of preadult and adult mortality leading to elevated substitution rates among reproductive pairs, inappropriate of a long-lived species like the Bonelli´s Eagle.

Considering these threats the Autonomous Government started in 1998 the Programme of Conservation and Monitoring of the Bonelli´s Eagle in Aragon. This programme, forerunner of the Recuperation Plan, which will be passed with legal character in the near future, has the following basic objectives: • Stop the actual regression of the species and its fragmentation into iso- lated nucleus. • Increase the population size. • Expand the distribution area in Aragon, obtaining the recolonization of historic territories.

• Guaranty the long-term persistence of the population.

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Promoted by the Environmental Department and carried out mainly by the Nature Protection Officers (APNs), specific conservation actions have yet been established like the vigilance and monitoring of the population, the re- duction or elimination of disturbance during the reproductive period, and activities of public information and education. Furthermore actions of habitat improvement like the modification of dangerous electric power-lines have been carried out, and with an experimental character the reinforcement of prey species populations.

To fulfil the objectives of the Recuperation Plan and create management mea- sures it is necessary to have actual information of the population, its evolu- tion, and the basic information of space use, which is fundamental for the introduction of restrictions or conditions of human activities. This informa- tion is obtained in Aragon by monitoring the reproduction and a marking programme of the birds.

The marking programme consists in:

• Ringing of nestlings with metal rings and PVC bands with an alphanumeric inscription. It was started in 1998 to get information about mortality causes of young, philopatric behaviour of the species, and return rates. To date 101 nestlings have been ringed. Results show a considerable recovery rate of 17%, twice as high as the national recovery rate, and a return rate of 6%. Thus 15,6% of the pairs of Aragon hold a member that was born in this Autonomous Community, what we consider a clear sign of philopatry.

• Tracking of young eagles with satellite transmitters of the ARGOS system. It started in 2000 to obtain information about natal dispersal, dispersal areas and causes of mortality in these areas. 11 individuals have been tagged, that carried out great dispersal movements of up to 2.179 Km. Preferred dispersal areas were located in Southern and Middle Spain, and flights from the dispersal area back to the birth place could have been documented. Another important result is the confirmation of electrocutions as the main mortality factor of young (60%).

• Tracking of adult eagles with satellite GPS transmitters. This activity began in 2004 in order to determine home range size, zones used preferentially and possible risk factors. To date 13 birds have been

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equipped with PTTs that have produced more than 30.000 locations. Home ranges (95% Kernel area) vary between 25 and 64 Km2, are larger in females than in males, and show annual variations depending on breeding, prey availability or substitution of a pair member. It was possible to determine different zones of use, such as hunting areas, roosts, breeding zones, etc. in nearly all territories.

The information obtained by monitoring the reproduction and by the mar- king programme enabled the definition of critical areas for the species that were incorporated in the Recuperation Plan as areas especially sensitive for the conservation of the Bonelli´s Eagle in Aragon.

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GUEST LECTURE

LIVING AND UNDERSTANDING SEA-EAGLES

C. Fentzloff Vormals Gründer und Direktor der DEUTSCHEN GREIFENWARTE Burg Guttenberg Vorsitzender der EUROPEAN HALIAEETUS ASSOCIATION ( EHA) Europäische Gesellschaft für die Erhaltung bedrohter Vogelarte. e.V. Scheffelweg 3/1, 74206 Bad Wimpfen E-Mail:[email protected] www.claus-fentzloff.de

The decline of the populations of birds of prey and owls in the 60 s, that brought some species to the brink of extinction triggered the development of rescue initiatives and captive breeding programs for especially endangered species. The author has primarily been dedicated to helping the white tailed sea eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla, that is threatened by numerous man-made cau- ses such as direct persecution by shooting, trapping, power-lines, intoxication and oil contamination. In this presentation we will talk not only about bree- ding as well as chick raising with foster-parents, but also about the necessary preparations for the first adoptive introduction of captive sea-eagles in wild nests with the aim of reinforcement of remaining populations. The ttraining of eagles in flying and hunting skills, necessary for the reintroduction into former, intakt breeding habitat is described as well as the success of a 30 year joint program with chec colleagues for the reintroduction of the white tailed seaeagle in the Chec Republic.

Adaptive radiation, the phylogeny of the genus Haliaaetus and the causes for the evolution of the eight existing sea eagle species will be discussed. For this purpose pictures of journeys and research expiditions onto all continents are used to explain the different habitatsand status of the eight sea eagle species and the epyphenomena that may be related to their phylogeny.

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COMMUNICATIONS

HIGH FREQUENCY GSM TELEMETRY FOR TRACKING EAGLES

M.J. Lanzone1,2, C. Halverson2 and T.E. Katzner2,3 1. Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677 2. Cellular Tracking Technologies, 129 Powdermill Rd., Rector, PA 15677 3. Department of Conservation and Field Research, National Aviary, 700 Arch St., Allegheny Commons West, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 [email protected]

Satellite telemetry has long been the standard for tracking eagles. Currently, satellite telemetry units collect data at hourly intervals, generally no more than about 12-15 data points per day. While these units have allowed resear- chers to track animals across the world and have provided remarkable insight into eagle natural history, many questions cannot be adequately answered with such a limited frequency of data collection. Additionally, once deplo- yed, researcher communication with and reprogramming of these units is not possible. To address these problems, we developed a lightweight GSM trac- king device capable of collecting data at user determined intervals as small as 30-seconds. An additional benefit of this new technology is that it allows real- time communication and re-programming of the device post-deployment. The fine scale resolution of these new tracking data, not only opens up new horizons in the field of telemetry studies, but it also allows for validation and refinement of models describing animal behavior, home range and movement. To illustrate the capabilities of this new technology we present preliminary track data collected from golden eagles in the eastern USA and we compare them with satellite telemetry tracks collected in the same region.

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NEST CAMERAS AS A TOOL FOR HABITAT AND POPULATION MANAGEMENT OF BONELLI’S EAGLE (AQUILA FASCIATA)

C. Sellares De Pedro, R. del Amo Aguilar, J.Torrento & S. Llacuna 1. Naturalistes en Acció, C/Bages n23, Torreblanca, Vacarisses 08233, Barcelona, Spain. 2. Xarxa de Parcs Naturals, Diputació de Barcelona, 3. Parc del Garraf, Spain.

For six years the reproduction of four pairs of Bonelli’s Eagles (Aquila fas- ciata) that breed in nature parks in the region of Catalonia, Spain, has been monitored with nest cameras. Spain, with 75% of the European population of Bonelli’s Eagle, holds a delicate stronghold, and in Catalunya the species is in steep decline. Park and wildlife authorities manage six nests, which constitute 10% of the Catalan population, and they are integrating the results from this research into different aspects of this species’ regional conservation mana- gement. The most intense part of the breeding season spans for six months and it can provide over 1,370 hours of useful footage, which is stored and analised. Analisis of the data collected has provided valuable information on the breeding biology of the species and the differences in parental roles in nest building, incubation and chick feeding, as well as interesting insights in the growth and development of chicks, both physical and behavioural, and on prey delivery and feeding habits. More importantly, the results on matters that directly relate to the conservation of the species during breeding season such as stress, nest disturbance and prey availability have been integrated in the long-term ecological studies and management of the nature parks. Also, the real-time monitoring of the nests allowed the detection of certain in- cidents that were addressed with immediate, specific actions taken by the wildlife authorities, which resulted in an increase of the population’s overall breeding success. Using the results of the research from four Bonelli’s Eagle’s nests during the breeding season of 2007-2008 as a case study, we examine the advantages and problems related to the use of nest cameras as a tool for short and long-term management of this species, applicable for both a hands- on approach and a broader range of conservation measures.

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ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE GREY-HEADED FISHING EAGLE IN CAMBODIA.

R. Tingay1, M. Nicoll2 & S. Visal3. 1. Natural Research Ltd., Scotland. 2. University of Reading, England. 3. Wildlife Conservation Society, Cambodia.

The poorly-studied Grey-headed fishing eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) is in apparent population decline throughout its Indo-Malayan range, and is currently considered as globally near-threatened. Populations in Southeast Asia are of particular conservation concern, as surveys in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia suggest numbers have become severely diminis- hed in recent years. Despite its widespread distribution, virtually nothing is known about the ecology of this eagle species, nor the reasons for its appa- rent decline. Since 2005, we have studied a previously unknown high density breeding population in the swamp forest at Tonle Sap Lake, northern Cambo- dia. The Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and is subject to annual flooding from the Mekong River, coinciding with the fish-eagle’s breeding season. We have undertaken systematic surveys to monitor eagle distribution and abundance, and have studied the species’ basic ecological requirements as a basis for future conservation management. In addition, we have trained local staff in survey and monitoring techniques, to build local ca- pacity for long-term monitoring and to expand the survey area to other parts of the vast swamp forest. Based on our preliminary results, we suggest that this eagle population has significant regional importance but anthropogenic activities, such as the large scale harvest of watersnakes and the construction of upstream hydropower dams, are potential threats to the population’s long- term stability.

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CAINISM, NESTLING MANAGEMENT IN GERMANY IN 2004– 2007 AND SATELLITE TRACKING OF JUVENILES IN THE LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE (Aquila pomarina)

B.-U. Meyburg1, K. Graszynski2, T. Langgemach3, P. Sömmer4 & U. Bergmanis5 1.World Working Group on Birds of Prey, Wangenheimstr. 32, 14193 Berlin, Germany. E-mail: [email protected]. 2. Schreberstr. 8 A, 14167 Berlin, Germany. E-mail: [email protected]. 3. Brandenburg State Bird Conservation Centre, Dorfstraße 34, 14715 Buckow / Nennhausen, Germany. E-mail: [email protected]. 4. Naturschutzstation Woblitz, 16798 Himmelpfort, Germany. E-mail: aqui- [email protected]. 5. Administration of Nature Reserve Teici, Aiviekstes – 3, LV–4862 Laudona, Madonas raj., Latvia. E-mail: [email protected].

The Lesser Spotted Eagle belongs to a species with obligatory cainism, which means that in the natural state it is rare that two young eagles fledge, although as a rule two chick’s hatch. The breeding population in Germany is at the western edge of the species’ range and is declining (a 23% decrease between 1993 and 2007). Local extinction can be anticipated and therefore nestling management has been implemented in the German federal state of Bran- denburg since 2004 as a conservation measure by using human intervention to prevent the death of the younger sibling. This is in addition to other me- thods such as nest-site protection, habitat preservation, legislation etc. Fur- thermore, in 2007, second hatched eagle chicks (Abels) from Latvia were translocated for the first time. The managed pairs (nests physically inspected) were on average more successful than the unmanaged pairs (nests not physi- cally inspected). It cannot be determined as to whether the inspection of the nests had a negative effect on breeding. Breeding success of the pairs present in Brandenburg, including non-breeders, increased by 57 % in 2007 due to nestling management, and that of the managed pairs alone by 67 %. In 2007 the behaviour of six young eagles was studied using satellite telemetry. This study determined that the Abels migrated as well as the first hatched eagle chicks (Cains), and that their survival chances were equally good. The Abels

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imported from Latvia migrated in two out of three cases along the same route as the German Lesser Spotted Eagles to the Bosporus. One Latvian Abel which fledged in Germany was tracked by satellite to Zambia where many Lesser Spotted Eagles winter. A German Abel wintered North of the Equator in the Sudan and neighbouring countries for over six months and started its return migration on 27 April 2008.

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FLIGHT BEHAVIOR OF MIGRATING GOLDEN EAGLES IN THE EASTERN USA: INSIGHTS FROM HIGH-FREQUENCY TELEMETRY

T.A. Miller1,2, M.J. Lanzone1, C. Maisonneuve3, A.L. Mack1, R.P. Brooks2 and T.E. Katzner4 1. Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677 2. Riparia – The Penn State Cooperative Wetlands Center 302 Walker Building Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 3. Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, 92 2e rue Ouest, Rimouski, QC G5L 8B3, Canada 4. Department of Conservation and Field Research, National Aviary, 700 Arch St., Allegheny Commons West, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 [email protected]

Flight behavior is an important determinant of how eagles respond to the en- vironment they encounter on migration. Thus, understanding flight behavior is essential to understanding how eagles will respond to anthropogenic chan- ges on migration routes. We used a common hydrological measure of stream directness, sinuosity, as a descriptive measure of migratory paths of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in eastern North America. Sinuosity was calculated as the straight-line distance between summering and wintering grounds divided by the total distance traveled as measured by two forms of GPS telemetry. We examined sinuosity at a coarse resolution and continental scale and at a fine resolution within a migration corridor in Pennsylvania. The large scale analysis used ARGOS satellite telemetry locations collected every four hours and the small scale analysis used high-frequency (30-60 second) GSM telemetry. In both cases, we compared sinuosity among age classes and in relation to flight charac- teristics. On a broad scale, migration behavior was age related, such that youn- ger birds wandered more than older birds. However, within Pennsylvania, high frequency data showed that the Appalachian Mountains had a funneling effect, such that birds of all age classes flew directly through the state, using orographic lift rather than thermals to assist flight. Because risk of collision and exposure to hazards while flying is related to the time spent migrating, the sinuosity index can be incorporated into population level models that assess risk of exposure to hazards such as wind turbines, power lines and other flight obstructions.

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Golden Eagles in Germany - Research, protection and education in the Natura 2000 area, Allgäuer Hochalpen

Dipl. -Biol. Henning Werth. Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern e.V., Dorfstr. 10, D-87545 Burgberg, Ger- many, www.lbv.de, www.allgaeuer-hochalpen.de

The Golden eagle is suitable as a popular figure and for excellent communica- tion of conservation issues, e. g. Natura 2000. It stands as an umbrella species for alpine remote habitats. The distribution area of the Golden Eagle Aqui- la chrysaetos in Germany is currently limited to the Bavarian Alps, an area which also represents the northern distribution limit of the alpine population. In Bavaria, annually 45 - 50 pairs are nesting (LfU 2009). The low breeding success of the 1980s was the starting point of a protection programme in Bavaria, which is performed in the Allgäu region (1,400 km2). In the Allgäu region from 1987 to 1997, Golden Eagle breeding success was on average 0.22 juveniles per pair and year (WEIXLER & WERTH 2007). Data were si- milarly low in other parts of the Bavarian Alps as well (BEZZEL 1994). Within the project, all districts were inspected annually, the breeding success was evaluated and measures for the protection of Golden Eagle were undertaken. Since 2001, a legal agreement between the Bavarian Ministry of Environment and helicopter groups (mainly military) was taken to protect eagles’ nests against possible disturbances during the breeding season (LfU 2009). From the time of nest building, a mininum distance of 1,000 meters to nestsites has to be kept for helicopters until june 31st. Voluntary co-operations have been achieved with climbers and paraglider pilots. The kind of protecion and com- munication was always dependent on the specific nest situation in an area. Unfortunatelly, it is precisely the “targeted” interference by photographers, videotapers and ornithologists that leads to problematic situations during nesting and rearing seasons.

From 1998 to 2009, the breeding success increased to 0.36 juveniles per pair and year. In recent years, however, cases of lead poisoning occurred re- peatedly in the Bavarian Alps. In December 2008, a ca. four-year old female Golden Eagle was found which was released healthy after intensive treatment and specialized training with a satellite telemetry transmitter in July 2009.

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Since findings of injured or dead eagles are very rare because of their remo- te habitat, many cases of lead poisoning may remain unreported. Especia- lly young or immature Golden Eagles are particularly at risk. More data are necessary to investigate this interesting issue conclusively. The elimination of lead-free ammunition, as in some parts of Germany have already imple- mented, would be an important preventative step that could benefit other species (e.g., Bearded Vultures). Currently, feather and blood samples from different breeding areas in the Bavarian Alps are genetically investigated to look at the relatedness among eagle individuals and their genetic diversity. A particularly interesting aspect is the possibility of Golden Eagle recolonization of sites north of the Alps. A key factor preventing recolonisation could be the lack of old nesting trees in combination with human disturbances. Studies on dispersion of immature eagle could provide further clues. Since 2003, special education and public relation programs have been offered for visitors and lan- dusers (WERTH 2008) in the reserve “Allgäuer Hochalpen”. One site exists where all recent nests are inaccessible and not subject to human disturbance from the ground. Here “Golden Eagle excursions” were offered by the con- servation manager. The excursions take place between May and October. In small groups and equipped with optical devices, eagle nesting sites and hun- ting areas can observed easily.

Acknowledgment

The project of conservation managers in bavaria is supported by the Bavarian Foundation Conservation Fund from the proceeds of the lottery and by of the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF).

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DIETA Y HÁBITAT DE NIDIFICACIÓN DEL ÁGUILA CORONADA (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus) EN LA REGIÓN DE MONTE DE ARGENTINA

R. Pereyra-Lobos 1,2, S.A. Alvarado 2,3, F. Martinez 1, F. Santander 2, L. Muñoz 1,2 , P. Ramírez 2, S. Mayorga 1,2 & D. Fernández 2 1 Departamento de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, Dirección de Recursos Naturales Renovables. Boulogne sur mer s/n Parque gral. San Martín. Capital. Mendoza Argentina. 2 Programa de Conservación del Águila Coronada, Reserva Natural Bosques de Telteca, Mendoza, Argentina 3 División de Bioestadística y Demografía, Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile. salvarado@ med.uchile.cl

Reportamos la dieta y hábitat de nidificación del Águila Coronada (Har- pyhaliaetus coronatus) durante los años 2005 – 2009 en 6 nidos activos, en la Reserva Bosques de Telteca, Mendoza, Argentina. A partir de la recolección de 274 restos de presa, 7 egagrópilas y por medio de la observación de 47 entregas de presa al nido, se tiene la siguiente distribución de presas encon- tradas pertenecientes a los siguientes ordenes: Xenarthra (N=230), Carní- vora (N=16), Squamata (N=51) y Testudines (N=19). En los mamíferos, el piche (Zaedyus pichiy) es la especie mas representativa en la dieta del águila (56.70%, B=41.08%), siendo el zorrino (Conepatus chinga) el segundo en importancia (4.67%, B= 7.43%). En el análisis de restos presa, para el caso de reptiles, los ofidios son los mas representativos (12.77%, B=11.34%), la tortuga común (Geochelone chilensis) representa una frecuencia de 6.48 y una biomasa de B=11.44%, la iguana colorada (Tupinambis rufescens) contribuye en menor medida (2.49%, B=7.97%). Dentro de la frecuencia total el apor- te de mamíferos y reptiles fue de un 78.19% y 21.81% respectivamente, mientras que a nivel de biomasa el aporte de mamíferos fue de 69.55% y el los reptiles fue de un 30.45%.

Por otra parte haciendo uso de herramientas de SIG creamos un mapa geo- referenciado donde se pudo definir sectores prioritarios para la conservación del Águila Coronada (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus) respecto a los nidos encon- trados. Estos muestran una tendencia de selectividad de la especie ante am-

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bientes poco alterados y con un mayor porcentaje de cobertura en bosque abierto de Algarrobo Dulce (Prosopis flexuosa), lugar donde construye sus nidos lo que estaría asociado con una alta diversidad de especies presas que hemos verificado mediante estudios tróficos y monitoreos. Ante estas evi- dencias proponemos como metodología alternativa a estudios tróficos el de observación directa de entrega de presas, para evitar la subestimación de consumo de ciertas taxas que son difíciles de identificar en egagrópilas y res- tos presa y además la realización de censos periódicos de la fauna circundan- te al territorio de nidificación y la incorporación de una metodología de análisis combinado de la información de dieta por medio de restos de presa, observación focal de entrega de presas y monitoreo de fauna con el fin de re- ducir sesgos que impiden dimensionar un nicho trófico mas real y relacionarlo con el hábitat de nidificación.

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PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE STUDY ABOUT INTERACTIONS IN BREEDING AREAS BETWEEN LARGER EAGLES (SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE, GOLDEN EAGLE AND BONELLI`S EAGLE) IN TOLEDO PROVINCE, CASTILLA-LA MANCHA (CENTRAL SPAIN)

J. P. Castaño Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, E.U de Magisterio de Toledo [email protected]

Preliminary results about biotope characteristics of nesting areas of sympa- tric larger eagles (Aquila adalberti, Aquila chrysaetos and Hieraaetus fascia- tus) in Toledo province (valle del Tajo and Montes de Toledo).

These species nests on trees, although in Toledo, Golden and Bonelli´s ea- gles nest mainly on cliffs. Some descriptive variables of the biotope around nesting sites related to landscape, vegetation and human presence have been analyzed for 70 breeding pairs in study area during 2007 (34 pairs of Imperial eagle, 28 pairs of Golden eagle and 8 of Bonelli´s eagle). Density of breeding pairs at whole study area estimated as number of pairs/100 km2 was 1,9.

Significant differences between species were found for some of the stu- died variables, (altitude, slope, area of dehesa, distance to habited house, distance to town and distance to the nearest conspecific nest). However, for variables that consider the characteristics of biotope in the areas closest to the nest (r=500 m), mainly vegetation, no differences were found. This result suggests a similar requests of the 3 species for the variables studied in the closest area of the nest.

Territorial behaviour in large raptors with a similar requests respect to ha- bitat characteristics in nesting areas could have as result some grade of intra and interspecific competition for occupying suitable nesting sites and perhaps some grade of exclusion to other pairs in close areas from the nest. Over- lapping between neighbour “territories” was measured in order to estimate this possible exclusion, considering theoretical territories as a circular area of r=1500 m around the nest. There was no overlapping for 70 % of the nests, being located the nests to more from 3 km of the nearest neighbour. Spatial

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distribution of nests is not homogeneous at study area, with a greater density of pairs in central subzone. Abundance and density of each species is also different in the subzones considered. These results could be explained for a differential availability of suitable nesting sites and different abundance of the main prey of these species in Toledo, the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus.

Although these results are preliminary, suggest that territorial behaviour and intra and interspecific competition for the occupation of suitable nesting areas could be determining the observed spatial distribution of the nests and also could be limiting the availability of potential nesting territories and affect the breeding success of some pairs.

Because the consequences for conservation of these endangered species, this possible competition should be studied in a great extent. Radiotagging of adult birds of these 3 species is strongly recommended in order to obtain more detailed information about use of habitat, and evaluate if the relative “exclusion” observed in breeding territories occurs also in feeding areas.

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EAGLE AND VULTURE PHYLOGENETICS- A REVIEW

M.Wink Heidelberg University; Institute of Pharmacy & Molecular Biotechnology Im Neuenheimer Feld 364; D-69120 Heidelberg; Germany E-mail: [email protected]

The use of DNA sequence data, both from mitochondrial and nuclear marker genes, has been instrumental in understanding the phylogeny of raptors. Re- cent progress will be highlighted. Whereas falcons apparently form a unique group that clusters with parrots and songbirds rather with other raptors. The New World vultures on the other hand appear to be much closer to the other raptors than to vultures, as had been assumed for some time. Within the Ac- cipitriformes, the distinction of the families Sagittariidae, Pandionidae and Ac- cipitridae is supported by molecular data. Within Accipitridae, Old World vul- tures, of which all species have been analysed by now, cluster in two seperate clades. Eagles are also a heterogenous group with sea eagles being different from the booted eagles. The booted eagles form a paraphyletic assemblage that needs a taxonomic revision. Microsatellite data (STR) have been genera- ted in a few species to understand their population genetics and/or possible hybridisation (/Aquila clanga x A. pomarina/). STR data are also important for conservation genetics and pedigree analysis in raptors.

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REINTRODUCTION OF SEA EAGLES IN SCOTLAND – AN UPDATE

C. Smith East Scotland Sea Eagle Officer. RSPB

Sea eagles went extinct in Scotland in 1918. Initial attempts to reintroduce the species with birds form Norway in the late 1950s and 1960s were unsuc- cessful. Two formal reintroductions running from the 1970s to 1990s on the West coast have resulted in the establishment of a breeding population of 45 pairs and over 200 individual birds stretching form Argyll to Wester Ross. The third phase of the reintroduction began in 2007 in Fife, East Scotland, 44 birds have been released to date. The landscape and habitats of East Scotland differ to those on the west coast and the release occurs in a densely populated area, less than an hour from Edinburgh. Now in its third year we are beginning to see East and West coast populations mixing as well as visits from Irish birds. All birds are followed with VHF tags and this talk will provide an update on the survival and movement of the East coast birds as well as the breeding west coast population.

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CHALLENGES FOR RELEASING PHILIPPINE EAGLES IN MINDANAO

D. Salvador Phillipinne Eagle Foundation, Mindanao, The Phillipinnes

Continuing progress in conservation breeding of Philippine Eagles has made it imperative to consider studying the prospects of reintroduction of the spe- cies back to the wild. Increased acquisition of eagles from confiscation or turn-overs as a result of growing public awareness of our work has also been a factor in accelerating an experimental release program. The processes we had to go through and the methods employed for releases are outlined in this paper. Lessons learned and challenges we continue to face are also presented in this paper.

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Lead poisoning in white-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Germany: update and conservation challenge

Krone O 1, Kenntner N1, Trinogga A1, Nadjafzadeh M1, Scholz F1, Sulawa J 1, Totschek K1, Schuck-Wersig P 2, Zieschank R2 1. Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin 2. Environmental Policy Research Centre, Free University Berlin

Our project aims to identify the causes and consequences of oral lead in- toxications of the white-tailed sea eagle (WTSE) as an umbrella species for other scavenging birds. In a dialogue-oriented and communicative part the project encourages involved stakeholders like hunting organisations dealers and nature conservationists to develop potential solutions for eliminating lead risks for scavenging birds. Veterinarians, biologists and social scientists work together to elucidate key issues of the biology of WTSEs, analyse information use and attitudes of hunters as well as conflicts between social actors, trans- fer knowledge quickly to stakeholders and mediate between the different parties. Previously, post mortem examinations performed at the IZW of more than 473 WTSEs from Germany revealed lead intoxications being the most impor- tant cause of death (25% of mortality). Digital radiographs and computer- tomographies of shot game animals were performed to analyse the ballistics of rifle bullets and experiments and field studies of WTSEs on home-range size and feeding behaviour, foresters, ammunition industry, ammunition were conducted.

Here we are able to show that in 15% of radiographed dead found WTSEs (n=317), metallic particles were detected. Morphological inspection and ele- ment composition indicated fragments of hunting ammunition. Particles of rifle bullets (13%) were more important than shot gun bullets (2%). Ballistic examinations of lead containing rifle bullets in shot game animals revealed metallic particle clouds of diameters more than 40 cm regardless of the tissue hit. Isolated particles were of similar form and size than those isolated from WTSE gizzards. Preliminary results of our feeding experiments suggested that WTSE avoided large (> 4mm) but not small particles (< 3mm) which may has implications for the further design of lead free rifle bullets.

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Our results are being broadcast to a wide audience by internet website, le- aflets for hunters and several workshops with social organizations and public adminstrations. We believe our interdisciplinary approach and the early invol- vement of stakeholders are a key to the success of this project and a model for problem solving in the field of biodiversity conflicts.

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RECENT ADVANCES IN THE BIOMEDICAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE ENDANGERED ARGENTINE CROWNED EAGLE (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus)

M. D. Saggese1 & A. Quaglia2 1 DVM MSc., PhD College of Veterinary Medicine - Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, 91767, California [email protected] 2 Vet. Student Fundación de Historia Natural Félix de Azara. Departamento de Ciencias Naturales y Antropología. CEBBAD – Universidad Maimonides. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Argentina

The crowned eagle (Harpyhalieatus coronatus), (Order Falconiformes, Family Accipitridae), inhabits central and northern Argentina, southern Brazil, Para- guay, Uruguay and eastern Bolivia. Internationally, this bird of prey is classified as endangered and is currently considered one of the most threatened rap- tors in Argentina. Information about its biology and natural history is limited. Like other large-sized birds of prey, crowned eagles require large territories in which to live and hunt their prey. Most reports about their breeding biolo- gy suggest that this eagle raises only one chick every two years. The reasons for crowned eagle scarcity are not well understood. Human persecution, re- duction in the availability of prey, and loss of natural habitat are the major pro- posed causes for its continuing decline. Furthermore, collisions with vehicles and electrocution by power lines have been proposed as contributing factors to its endangerment. The potential role of macroparasites, microparasites and heavy metals in its decline and population dynamics has not been pre- viously investigated.

The aim of this presentation is to summarize biomedical work performed with captive and free-ranging crowned eagles in several areas of Argentina. Goals of our study were to collect baseline clinical reference values and in- vestigate the consequences of their exposure to selected human, domestic animals and avian pathogens and metals in captive adults and free-ranging young crowned eagles. Understanding the role that macroparasites, micro- parasites and metals may play in the decline of these birds in the wild, their effect on ex-situ conservation programs and human and domestic animals may be essential to the effective management this eagle and for developing

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conservation strategies. In order to achieve these goals the main specific aims of this study were to:

1) collect data on baseline physiological reference values, including hemato- logy, serum biochemistry and plasma cholinesterase activity in captive adults and free-ranging nestling crowned eagles;

2) investigate their exposure to selected macroparasites, microparasites and metals, and

3) train argentine veterinarians, veterinary students, park rangers , biologists, and field conservation agents in the biomedical sampling of crowned eagles and other birds of prey. Samples were obtained from captive crowned eagles held at various zoos and rehabilitation centers in Mendoza, Buenos Aires and the Misiones provinces of Argentina. These birds are maintained in these faci- lities for educational purposes and are expected to be utilized in ex-situ con- servation programs on location. Samples from free-ranging crowned eagles were obtained from nestlings in two different populations currently under in- tensive investigation in the Mendoza and La Pampa provinces. Specific results of these biomedical studies will be presented at the conference.

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BEAK AND TALON GROWING RATE IN SELECTED MEDITERRANEAN EAGLE SPECIES: RESULTS FROM A YEAR ROUND STUDY.

J. M. Blanco1, L. McGough2, J. Rodriguez-Ramos1, U. Höfle3 and P. Cervera1 1. CERI-JCCM,Sevilleja del ala Jara, 45671 Toledo, Spain. 2. University of Oklahoma 3. IREC, UCLM, Ciudad Real, Spain Email: [email protected]

The way beak and talons grow in birds of prey is poorly documented and not well understood. Thus, together with the growing rate, is of interest for the accurate interpretation of isotope studies. A total of 70 individuals from 5 di- fferent eagle species: Golden eagle (n= 14), Spanish Imperial eagle (n=22), Bonelli´s eagle (n=20), short toe eagle (n=6) and Booted eagle (n=8) were included in the present study. Small 0.5 mm depth marks were made 10 mm from the end of the cere, last finger scale and inner border of the nare, and in the frontal and lateral surfaces of the beak and talon of the finger IV using a sterile kirchner needle. Increase of that distance was measured one, three and twelve months after and average growing rate calculated. Growth observation and comparisons were made between location, measurements and species. There seem to be two main growing directions: towards the tip and up to the surface, with the latter appearing to be faster in the lateral surface of the talons, specially in Peregrines and Imperial eagles. Preliminary data shows that growth is much faster in younger animals. Growth along the surface is usually faster craneal Vs lateral and claw Vs beak. Growing rate is faster at the base of the beak compared to the tip. There are species specific differences in the growth rate. Average monthly beak (B) and talon (T), craneal (C) and lateral (L) growth were: BC 1,51, BL 1,06, TC 4,95, TL 4,55 for the Golden; BC 4,12, BL 3,28, TC 5,36 , TL 4,5 Spanish Imperial; BC , BL , TC , TL Bonelli´s; BC , BL , TC , TL , Short Toe and BC 1,03, BL 0,77 , TC 1,53 , TL 1,03 Booted eagles respectively. In certain species like the Short toed eagle, the growing rate is extremely slow compared to others. Although with some exceptions, growth corrected by size indicates that growth rates are generally faster in smaller Vs larger species within the same family and across them.

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ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF LEAD POISONING BY MRI AND PATHOLOGY: CAN THESE INFORM POPULATION LEVEL IMPACTS?

O. Nicolas1 & P. Redig The Raptor Center, USA.

Lead poisoning is a well recognized source of toxicosis in bald eagles (Haliaaetus leucocephalus). The preponderance of information suggests that spent lead ammunition embedded in the flesh of prey is a likely source. The Raptor Center (TRC) has been monitoring lead poisoning in bald eagles in the upper Midwest since 1970. Approximately 25% of the eagles received each year at TRC have clinical lead poisoning as a cause of admission. But over 70% have positive blood lead values that could be associated with the presenting injury.

Lead (Pb) is a highly neurotoxic agent and the majority of the clinical signs these bald eagles present relate to the central nervous system (CNS). To date, there is no data regarding the distribution and appearance of lesions in the CNS. The Raptor Center conducted a preliminary study to evaluate the lesions occurring in the CNS due to lead poisoning. A clinical neurological exa- mination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathology of the brain were conducted in 6 bald eagles with terminal lead intoxication. In all these birds, the histopathologic examination showed lesions in the brain consisting of necrosis, edema and/or hemorrhage. There was a correlation between the MRI and histopathology results. In most of the cases, the location and severity of the lesions were consistent with the neurological signs observed.

This preliminary study shows the severity of the CNS lesions present in cases of terminal lead intoxication in bald eagles. The MRI has shown to be a useful assessment technique in cases of lead poisoning; further study is needed to demonstrate its usefulness as a prognostic tool. The application of the same protocol of study to subclinical lead intoxicated bald eagles would give us more specific information about the lead mechanisms of toxicity. The impact of lead poisoning on the total population of bald eagles, including both acu- te mortality and subclinical neurological and physiological impairment is not known.

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EXPERIENCIA EN EL RESCATE Y REHABILITACIÓN DE RAPACES NEOTROPICALES EN VENEZUELA

P. A. Blanco Márquez D.V.M MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA EL AMBIENTE - FUNDACIÓN NACIONAL DE PARQUES ZOOLÓGICOS Y ACUARIOS DE VENEZUELA (FUNPZA). Director Unidad Veterinaria. Torre Sur, MARN, Centro Simón Bolívar, Piso 6, Caracas, Venezuela. Apartado Postal 40028-Caracas 1040. Teléf: +58- 212-4082161. Móvil: +58-414-4588374. E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] EARTHMATTERS. ORG. P.O Box 15251, Gainesville, Fl 32604, USA

El Proyecto de Conservación del Águila Harpía y de Grandes Rapaces en Ve- nezuela, tiene como prioridad investigar sobre la biología, ecología y biome- dicina; protección y recuperación de hábitats; implementación de programas de educación ambiental; ejecución de programas de vigilancia y control; res- cate y rehabilitación de rapaces lesionadas; y actividades de cría y reproduc- ción en cautiverio, con la finalidad de contribuir en el estudio y conservación integral de los falconiforme en diferentes ámbitos.

Los programas de rehabilitación y cría en cautiverio, involucran diferentes manejos de reintroducción, transferencia y reforzamiento de poblaciones. Esto involucra ejemplares que provienen de vida silvestre a condiciones de cautiverio o viceversa, el intercambio entre zoológicos y la transferencia de especímenes de un hábitat silvestre a otro. Pero existe el riesgo de la intro- ducción accidental de enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias a las poblacio- nes de rapaces silvestres.

En ocasiones, animales silvestres traslocados o liberados de una posterior re- habilitación, pueden presentar susceptibilidad a problemas de estrés origina- dos por factores ambientales y de adaptabilidad a las condiciones del hábitat donde son reintroducidos, originando predisposición a sufrir enfermedades de origen etológico, nutricional, infeccioso, entre otros. La variabilidad ge- nética de las poblaciones silvestres existentes y la presencia de un hábitat adecuado es proporcional a la reducción de las enfermedades que puedan afectar a las rapaces.

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Contrariamente, en condiciones de cautiverio las leyes naturales pueden al- terarse, donde altos niveles de estrés pueden ocasionar alteraciones en el sis- tema inmunológico de las rapaces, predisponiendo a la aparición de enferme- dades. Un mal manejo biológico, zootécnico y/o veterinario puede originar índices elevados de movilidad y mortalidad, con escaso desarrollo en la con- dición física de los especímenes, favoreciendo la aparición de enfermedades.

Las principales fuentes de rescate de aves de presa en Venezuela, provienen de: decomisos, donaciones, capturas, entregas voluntarias, entre otras; sien- do las especies más frecuentes las pertenecientes a las familias Accipitridae y Falconidae.

Estableciendo planes sanitarios y nutricionales adecuados en zoológicos y centros de rescate y rehabilitación, podemos reducir los índices de mortali- dad y elevar las tasas de crecimiento y desarrollo de las rapaces, transforman- do la cría en cautiverio y la rehabilitación en una estrategia importante para garantizar la sobrevivencia de diferentes especies de rapaces.

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California condor recovery….lessons learned

Michael Wallace, Ph. D. The institute for Conservation Research, Zoological Society of San Diego

Since 1987, when the last California condor was removed from the wild to the protective custody the Los Angeles and the San Diego Zoos, government and non- profit institutions have waged a pitched battle to not only prevent the species extinction through captive breeding but to build wild populations of condors to sustainable levels. The process required a better understanding and reduction of mortality factors such as lead poisoning, power line collisions ,trash Ingestion by condor nestlings and exposure to West Nile Virus. With additional program partners such as the Peregrine Fund, the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Oregon the program has expanded its support base and increa- sed production of birds and areas for release to the wild. With a main goal of re-establishing populations in as many areas of their former range where suitable, releases began in 1992 at the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in southern California, operated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and were later followed by releases at the Ventana/ Big Sur site operated by the Ventana Wilderness Society In central California, the Vermilion cliffs north of the e Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, operated by the Peregrine Fund, The Pinnacles National Monument in Central California operated by the National Park service and in Baja California, Mexico operated by the San Diego Zoo with partners in Mexicos, Instituto de Ecologia Nacional and Cos- ta Salvaje. In 1987 there were 27 California condors in the world, Through these conservation efforts there now are 355 with 181 condors flying in the wild including 20 naturally fledged chicks.

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PAUTAS METODOLÓGICAS PARA LA CONSERVACIÓN EX SITU E IN SITU DEL CÓNDOR ANDINO.

V. Astore 1 & N. L. Jácome 2 Fundación BIOANDINA Argentina & Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires República de la India 3000 (1425) Buenos Aires, Argentina. (1) [email protected] (2) [email protected]

En Agosto de 1991, se creó en Argentina el Proyecto de Conservación Cón- dor Andino (Vultur gryphus) (PCCA). A través de su programa de incubación artificial y cría en aislamiento humano y gracias a la creación de un centro de rescate de ejemplares silvestres, ha logrado concretar la liberación de 91 ejemplares a lo largo de la cordillera de los Andes.

Metodologías de trabajo:

Centro de Incubación Artificial y Cría en Aislamiento Humano.

Uno de los primeros pasos del proyecto fue poner en condiciones reproduc- tivas a las parejas que se encuentran en cautiverio. Para ello se sumaron a los principales zoos en un programa de reproducción regional.

Todos los pichones nacidos en el marco del proyecto son criados en aisla- miento humano, en nurserys especialmente diseñadas, con la asistencia de títeres de látex que representan a sus padres. De esta manera se favorece el reconocimiento hacia su especie y se evita el imprintig con el ser humano. Ellos permanecerán en estas condiciones hasta completar su plumaje juvenil, pardo ocráceo, lo cual logran a partir de los seis meses de edad. A partir de ese momento estarán listos para ser incluidos en programas de liberación.

Centro de Rescate del Cóndor Andino.

En abril de 2002, hemos creado el Centro de Rescate del Cóndor Andino (CRCA), una herramienta de conservación que permite trabajar en el rescate y la rehabilitación de estas aves, con la finalidad de liberarlas en su ambiente natural o integrarlas a planes de conservación ex situ de esta especie.

En el Centro de Rescate del Cóndor Andino contamos con un centro veteri-

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nario y un área de rehabilitación en aislamiento humano para aquellos ejem- plares silvestres que pueden ser incluidos en programas de liberación.

En el caso de que los ejemplares puedan ser devueltos a su ambiente natural, se lleva a cabo la búsqueda del lugar de liberación, la cual va acompañada por una intensa campaña educativa en las zonas de influencia y un posterior seguimiento de los ejemplares que son liberados.

Centro de Seguimiento y Estudios Poblacionales

Los métodos tradicionales de seguimiento basados en el empleo de bandas alares de vinilo y radio telemetría, sumados al reciente desarrollo de transmi- sión satelital, han hecho posible entender su capacidad de vuelo, el uso que hacen del entorno natural y descubrir sus dormideros, lugares claves para la conservación de esta especie.

Área de Educación y Difusión

El PCCA cuenta con un centro de interpretación específico donde recibe millones de visitantes al año, quién a través de videos, fotos, charlas y demás medios educativos acceden a información concreta sobre los alcances y re- sultados del proyecto.

Además, desarrollamos un programa de educación en las escuelas rurales y también de grandes ciudades, llegando con un mensaje claro de conserva- ción.

Se tarda tres años en devolver la libertad a un Cóndor, pero bastan unos se- gundos para quitarles la vida. Por eso un cambio cultural es imprescindible y son tan importantes los programas educativos y de difusión.

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UPDATE AND CHALLENGES FOR CRITICALLY ENDANGERED GYPS VULTURES IN INDIA

C.G.R. Bowden1, R. Cuthbert1, R.E. Green1, V. Prakash2, N. Shah2 1. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL 2. Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai 400 001, India

Three species of vultures (Gyps) endemic to South and South-East Asia are listed as Critically Endangered because of rapid population declines in the Indian subcontinent. The main cause of these declines is poisoning by the ve- terinary drug diclofenac, which is ingested by vultures that feed on the carcass of a domestic ungulate treated with the drug shortly before death. Remedial action in India to prevent the extinction of these species includes the removal of diclofenac from the vultures’ food supply and captive husbandry and bree- ding. Actions to reduce the risk from diclofenac include legislation preventing the manufacture of veterinary diclofenac, awareness campaigns for farmers’ organizations, pharmacists, veterinarians and government officials and safe- ty testing to identify alternative drugs that do not harm vultures. Research has so far identified one drug, meloxicam, which does not harm vultures at the maximum likely exposure level. A monitoring program has estimated the proportion of domestic ungulate carcasses contaminated with diclofenac and how this has changed since the ban on manufacture of veterinary diclofenac. The availability and provenance of diclofenac offered for sale for veterinary use is being measured by visits to veterinary pharmacies. The prevalence of diclofenac in cattle carcasses has not yet fallen since the ban, and the drug re- mains widely available for use on livestock. Monitoring of vulture populations shows that they remain low. No species are recovering and one continues to decline rapidly. The breeding programme in India now holds over 220 founder birds of all three species combined, and at three separate centres. Breeding has so far been successfully achieved for two of these with encoura- ging signs that large-scale breeding will be achievable ready for future releases once diclofenac has been removed from the environment.

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INTRODUCTORY LECTURE

ESTRATEGIA Y RESULTADOS DEL PROYECTO DE CONSERVACIÓN CÓNDOR ANDINO.

N. L. Jácome 1 & V. Astore 2 Fundación BIOANDINA Argentina & Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. República de la India 3000 (1425) Buenos Aires, Argentina. [email protected] 2 [email protected]

Durante miles de años, el Cóndor Andino, el ave voladora más grande del mundo, ha sido honrado por las comunidades originarias de Sudamérica, quienes lo consideran un nexo sagrado entre los hombres y Dios.

Abundante en otro tiempo, este animal emblemático, eslabón simbólico con nuestro pasado cultural, se ha convertido hoy, lamentablemente, en un desa- fío de conservación. Por ello, en Agosto de 1991, se dio origen al Proyecto de Conservación Cóndor Andino (PCCA), realizado en el marco del Programa Binacional entre Chile y Argentina, un ejemplo de colaboración internacional que ha logrado reintroducir 91 ejemplares en todo Sudamérica.

Su principal objetivo es asistir a la conservación de estas fabulosas aves y su majestuoso ecosistema, a todo lo largo de la cordillera, para asegurar la su- pervivencia de quien es considerado el Espíritu viviente de los Andes.

El uso de radiotelemetría y transmisión satelital, asociado a intensos trabajos de campo, permitieron crear un GIS (Sistema de Información Geográfica) específico para esta especie en el marco del Programa Laboratorio de In- vestigación Registrado de Intergraph de la FBA. Además fue creado un soft- ware especial, llamado Decosat, un programa simulador de vuelo que ayuda a comprender mejor los patrones de sus desplazamientos. Gracias a esta moderna tecnología, es posible descubrir el uso que hacen del ambiente, sus dormideros, su capacidad de vuelo, preferencia de hábitat, entre otras cosas. Esta información orienta la toma de decisiones que hacen a la conservación de estas fabulosas aves y el equilibrio de su majestuoso ecosistema.

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Gracias a la participación de comunidades originarias del Ande, quienes su- pieron honrar y convivir en armonía con esta especie durante miles de años, antes de cada liberación, se realizan ceremonias ancestrales. Ellos, son los encargados de poner un rezo en su lengua originaria, como un mensaje de respeto y veneración por toda la vida, para que el Espíritu de los Andes vuelva a ocupar su lugar.

Estrategia del Proyecto

La estrategia del PCCA consiste en acciones de conservación ex situ e in situ, integradas en cuatro pilares principales:

1. Centro de Incubación Artificial y Cría en Aislamiento Humano.

2. Centro de Rescate del Cóndor Andino.

3. Centro de Seguimiento y Estudios Poblacionales.

4. Área de Educación y Difusión.

Resultados

En diciembre de 1997 se concretó la liberación de cinco ejemplares en Valle Encantado, Patagonia, Argentina, y se estudió el vuelo de un ejemplar silves- tre de la misma categoría de edad. Estos ejemplares fueron los primeros en el mundo en llevar en sus alas transmisores satelitales a energía solar. La puesta a punto de esta moderna tecnología permitió extender los conocimientos que se tenían de la especie.

Posteriormente, en enero de 1999 y marzo del 2001, junto a la Fundación BIOANDINA Venezuela se logró realizar dos liberaciones en Venezuela y jun- to a la Fundación Bioandina de Venezuela, así 6 ejemplares fueron reintrodu- cidos en un ambiente donde la especie había sido declarada extinta en 1965.

Durante el año 1999, junto a la Fundación Zooprama de Bolivia, se concretó la liberación de 3 ejemplares de rescate en Tiraque, Corani, Bolivia.

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En marzo de 2000, durante la Primer Reunión de Especialistas en Cóndor An- dino, organizada por la Fundación Bioandina de Venezuela y la WWF (Fondo Mundial de la Naturaleza) en Venezuela, se ayudó a establecer una estrategia Sudamericana de conservación para esta especie, que destaca la necesidad de integrar los esfuerzos regionales que se llevan a cabo en todo el Ande.

Siguiendo estos lineamientos, el Proyecto de Conservación del Cóndor An- dino (PCCA), Argentina, y el Centro para las Aves Rapaces de Chile (CAR), a partir del año 2001, decidieron unir sus esfuerzos en un Programa Binacional de Conservación del Cóndor Andino (PBCCA).

A partir de entonces, en el marco del PBCCA, fue posible realizar seis libe- raciones más en Chile, liberando 22 ejemplares en total, junto a la Unión de Ornitólogos de dicho país y con la participación de instituciones internacio- nales.

En Argentina, a partir de Diciembre de 2003, gracias a un esfuerzo inter- nacional de conservación denominado “El Retorno del Cóndor al Mar” fue posible reintroducir la especie en su antigua área de distribución, la Costa At- lántica. Desde entonces, 26 ejemplares han sido liberados y gracias a intensos trabajos de campo y sofisticados sistemas de seguimiento satelital sabemos hoy que están ganando día a día mayor experiencia de vuelo, llegando a re- correr distancias mayores a 500 km desde su lugar de suelta, evidenciando con sus vuelos los lugares clave para la conservación de estas fabulosas aves en la costa.

En Ecuador, en el año 2003, junto a la Dirección Nacional de Biodiversidad, Áreas Protegidas y Vida Silvestre dependiente del Ministerio del Ambiente, se participó en el desarrollo de una Estrategia Nacional para la Conservación de esta especie, la cual se encuentra en peligro crítico.

En Colombia, gracias al apoyo de la Corporación Autónoma Regional de Bo- yacá, el Ministerio de Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo Territorial y la Univer- sidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de dicho país, el PCCA ha participado de la liberación de tres ejemplares, en el Páramo de Siscunsi, liberados, el pasado 18 de noviembre de 2005, en el marco del Seminario Internacional de Ac- tualización del Programa Nacional para la Conservación del Cóndor Andino y concertación del Plan de Acción 2006 – 2016 que tuvo lugar en la ciudad de Iza, Boyacá.

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Gracias a estos 91 ejemplares liberados y a la tecnología satelital aplicada, fue posible monitorear 388.000 Km2 y comenzar a entender la capacidad de vuelo de la especie. Así se hizo evidente que los principales Parques Na- cionales no cubren la necesidad de vuelo de estas aves y que una estrategia de conservación basada exclusivamente en ellos, no es efectiva. Pudimos co- menzar a entender el uso que hacen del ambiente, el hábitat que prefieren y los patrones de vuelo que realizan, según su origen y categoría de edad. Pero, fundamentalmente, a partir de los datos nocturnos, pudimos descubrir las condoreras, lugares donde los cóndores se reúnen a dormir hasta en grupos de 124 individuos.

Se tarda tres años en devolver la libertad a un Cóndor, pero bastan unos se- gundos para quitarles la vida. Por eso un cambio cultural es imprescindible y son tan importantes los programas educativos y de difusión.

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COMMUNICATIONS

ESTRATEGIA DE ACERCAMIENTO DE LA SOCIEDAD A DOS ESPECIES EMBLEMA (CÓNDOR ANDINO Y ÁGUILA HARPÍA) PARA SU CONSERVACIÓN

I. Muñoz Ron, R. Muñíz-López & P. Tufiño. Corporación SIMBIOE. Av. Patria 640 y Amazonas. Edf. Patria. Piso 13. Quito, Ecuador. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Ecuador, además de una enorme diversidad biológica y ecosistémica, posee una gran riqueza cultural. En total, existen 13 grupos indígenas en sus tres regiones naturales los cuales representan el 30 por ciento de la población, entre ellos: Awá, Chachi, Épera, Tsa´chila, Huaorani, Siona, Cofán, Secoya, Shuar, Zápara, Achuar y varios otros pueblos que pertenecen a la nacionali- dad Kichwa de la región andina (Andes) y la Amazonia. El Programa de Con- servación del Águila Harpía en Ecuador (PCAHE) tuvo sus comienzos en el año 2000. En la Amazonia inició su trabajo con los pueblos Zápara y Achuar de la Provincia de Pastaza, luego se amplió a los territorios de la comunidad Cofán de Zábalo, el pueblo Kichwa de Playas de Cuyabeno y Secoyas de San Pablo de Katetsiayá, todos localizados en la provincia de Sucumbíos, dentro de la Reserva de Producción Faunística Cuyabeno. En el Pacífico ecuatorial, el PCAHE trabaja con los pueblos afroecuatorianos de Playa de Oro y Winbí, y la comunidad de campesinos de Santa Rosa del Naranjal (Reserva Ecológica Cotacachi-Cayapas). Por otro lado, el Programa de Conservación del Cóndor Andino en Ecuador (PCCAE) tiene sus inicios en el año 2008 y su ámbito de acción ha sido básicamente con las comunidades y sociedad civil de la región centro norte de los Andes. Si bien es cierto, ambos proyectos se enfocan en la conservación de dos especies en particular, el contexto socio cultural así como ecosistémico es muy variado e inclusive en algunos casos, antagónicos. Pese a ello, la meta final para la conservación a largo plazo tanto del águila harpía como del cóndor, se fundamenta en rescatar y fortalecer los valores culturales y ancestrales de estas dos especies con los pueblos con quienes

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comparten territorios. Lograrlo no resulta una tarea sencilla –y aún nos queda mucho camino por recorrer- pero gracias a él se han desarrollado cualidades peculiares en los grupos de técnicos involucrados. Actualmente, este proce- so se sustenta en una estrategia cuyos cuatro puntos importantes son: a) el conocimiento de la realidad actual e histórica de los pueblos involucrados; b) el conocimiento del entorno natural de los mismos; c) una evaluación y capacitación del personal a desempeñarse dentro del proyecto en aspectos particularmente relacionados con “el saber ser y el saber estar” c) un proceso de acercamiento continuo y prolongado con las comunidades como un factor indispensable para el éxito.

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THE HARPY EAGLE AS A PARTICIPATIVE TOOL TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY

R. Muñiz López DirecciónPCAHE,SIMBIOE [email protected] / [email protected]

The Harpy Eagle Conservation Program in Ecuador (PCAHE) begins in 2000 as a research project and as a tool to argue the value of the Ecua- dorian Amazon heritage. At the beginning, our activities were developed in the province of Pastaza, within the territories of Achuar and Zapara ethnic groups, but later we expanded into the territories of the Cofan (also called A’i of the Aguarico River), Secoya, Cuyabeno Kichwa, lands of Afro-Ecuadorians in Esmeraldas province and farmers in the province of Imbabura. It is now also include groups as Siona and Shuar of the Cu- yabeno River in the province of Sucumbios. The relationship with such a wide range of cultures focused the PCAHE goals towards conservation purposes, but taken in a holistic way, including these actions:

• Research Tools: To monitor juveniles through PTT / GPS transmit- ters, direct observation of specimens, GIS to use it for habitat charac- terization and identification of potential breeding places, etc.

• Education: Inserting the PCAHE environmental message in the curri- culum of schools in each community and each province, to transmit an environmental message to adult audiences through traditional and festive and artistic activities, creation of opportunities for training, discussion and analysis around environmental and social aspects, etc.).

• Social integration: Training and inclusion of biomonitors in the tasks of documentation, management decisions and participation in deve- loping management plans for their areas.

• Divulgation: Generation of graphic artwork and informative video, participation in events, etc.

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• Policy: Creating and monitoring the Harpy Eagle Conservation Stra- tegy in Ecuador according to the Environmental Ministry of Ecuador.

• Cultural Rescue: Recovery of the history and knowledge about the relationship between the elements of the forest and the different so- cial groups, encourage historical, cultural and natural heritage values.

• Environmental Governance: Strengthening the capacities of leaders through training and strengthening political structures (directives) from each of the communities and Environmental Ministry staff, and finally the facilitation of agreements and conventions on the basis of a common objective to look for sustainable development among stake- holders.

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INTRODUCTORY LECTURE

WHAT MAKES AN EAGLE TO BREED

C. Fentzloff Vormals Gründer und Direktor der DEUTSCHEN GREIFENWARTE Burg Guttenberg 1. Vorsitzender der EUROPEAN HALIAEETUS ASSOCIATION ( EHA) Europäische Gesellschaft für die Erhaltung bedrohter Vogelarte. e.V. Scheffelweg 3/1, 74206 Bad Wimpfen E-Mail:[email protected] www.claus-fentzloff.de

My work as a teacher, in schools on behalf of the ministry of culture of Baden Wuerttemberg, on nature conservation led in 1961 to the foundation of the firs rehabilitation center for birds of prey and owls in Europe. Here, injured birds or orphaned juveniles were taken care off. After the first successful breeding had ocurred even with disabled non-releasable individuals the now called DEUTS- CHE GREIFENWARTE was provieded with sea eagles and vultures from Zoos with the aim of initiating breeding programs, and received also eggs for incuba- tion and chick raising. Special emphasis was on sea eagles and vultures. Natural breeding was preferred to artificial insemination because of clinal va- riation. In artificial incubation new ways were developped as for the first time a complete control of incubation and artificial management of the egg was applied and complete documentation of feeding intervals and growth curves/ breeding data was carried out during the first three to six weeks after hatching. Data on feeding intervals, and food intake has been documented of five individuals each of 35 different species. This includes specifically the white tailed sea eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla, the American Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, the palla’s sea eagle, Haliaee- tus leucoryphus, African Fish eagle, Haliaeetus vociver, as well as the Hooded vulture, Aegypius monachus, Griffon vulture, Gyps fulvus, and Egyptian vulture, Neophron percnopterus. Some remarks on the relation of the Palm-nut vulture, Gypohierax angolensis, to other species are given at the end of the talk.

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RESPONSIBILITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES TO PARTAKE OF SUSTAINABLE USE OF RAPTORS

J. Parry-Jones International Centre for Birds of Prey, UK

The use of birds of prey of many genera in ‘bird shows’ and demonstrations in zoos, specialist raptor centres and many other venues around the world has increased enormously over the last decade. However in many places there is little ethical thought about the origins of the birds, or the practices in collec- ting them. Often there is little or no consideration about long term sustaina- bility, using Red List species, or investing in captive breeding programmes for the future.

I suspect that few investigate how many birds are trapped and kept in poor conditions before exporting, how many do not survive before exporting, how many die soon after arriving, how many are sold with no legal requirement for their going to knowledgeable and responsible homes or how many are confiscated by governments and put in unsuitable establishments.

The wholesale use of birds of prey in this way needs to be looked at rigo- rously. Zoos, bird of prey establishments and individuals should be required to have a written and provable sustainable plan to continue their ‘educational /entertainment’ programmes. Governments need to be strongly encoura- ged to look very hard at import applications, and should be asking about what long term plans there are for sustainability of birds. Selling on of wild imported birds needs to be regulated, Confiscated birds should only go to knowledgeable breeding programmes when they are rare and or endangered species.

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INVESTIGATING CHANGES OF THE SAPROPHYTIC FLORA IN THE SALIVA OF FEMALE EAGLES IMMEDIATELY AFTER HATCHING

J. M. Blanco1, A. Knowless-Brown2, W. Voelker2, V. Arias1 and A. Do- noghue2. 1. Centro de Estudios de Rapaces Ibéricas, CERI-JCCM. 2. SIA inc.Comanche Nation, Oklahoma.University of Arkansas

Early after hatching parental eagle feeding behaviour characterized by selec- ting a minimal quantity of food, often clean muscle and blood from the prey, that parents mix with saliva using the upper beak and the tip of the tongue. Thus, in addition to the visual and auditory stimulus of the chick, immediately induce hypersalivation, a physiological reaction that seems to be designed to actually provide the chick with a diet close to 50% based on adult saliva during the crucial first few days of life. The length of this period varies with the individual, diet or age, but usually last between 3 and 10 days. Saliva has obvious benefits to the chick including facilitating ingestion, electrolitic balan- ce and hydration. Saliva at that particular time is believed to be an important source of extra calcium, immunoglobulins and saprophytic flora, crucial for normal growth and immune protection. However, these aspects are poorly understood and therefore needed of specific research. A preliminary study was conducted to identify, quantify and bank normal flora present in the saliva of Golden eagle females at that particular time compared to results out of the season. Saliva from three imprinted female Golden eagles was taken twice during the early rearing period and twice out of it. Special care was taken to collect clean samples, which becomes extremely difficult as it get easily contaminated with food. Samples were cultured following standard microbiological procedures for identification and quantification of the isola- ted strains. Results indicate that E.coli (310-452 ufc/100ul) is the organism present in highest concentration in 100% of the early samples. However, concentrations of this organism got reduced to more than one third in the late samples in all the cases examined. Opposite to that, other isolated se- condary species like Kocuria varians rosea (14-54 ufc/100ul), Kocuria kristinae (47-58 ufc/100ul) or Staphylococus xylosus (100-130 ufc/100ul) experience a exponential, medium and small increase in their concentration respectively

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during the same period. Some spp sporadically isolated included Pantoea spp (236-325 ufc/100ul), staphylococus aureus (15-23 ufc/100ul) and the potentia- lly pathological Hafnia alvei (261ufc/100ul). Results show a significant average (34,2%) reduction in the concentration of organisms present in the saliva during the early rearing phase compared to results from samples out of the breeding season, thus in correlation with an increase in calcium and pH which characterize saliva during that period. Preliminary results and potential signifi- cance of the strains isolated are analysed and hypothesis raised.

- 57 - Third annual conference of the Eagle Conservation Alliance

INVESTIGATING EMBRYONIC MORTALITY OF INFECTIOUS AND PERSISTENT CONTAMINANTS ETIOLOGY

J. M. Blanco1, U. Höfle2 & L. Palma3 1. Centro de Estudios de Rapaces Ibéricas (CERI-JCCM), Sevilleja de la Jara, 45671 Toledo, Spain 2. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, Ronda de Toledo s/n 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain. 3. Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal

Embryonic and neonatal mortality of diverse etiology are usually underlying causes for decreased eagle productivity. Thus mainly due to obvious difficul- ties in accurate monitoring of clutch size, hatching success and early death without disturbing the pair. In contrast, study of addled eggs recovered at the time of nestling radio tagging or at the end of the breeding season becomes a crucial source of information. During the last 16 years forensic investigation and analysis was carried out on a total of 100 addled eggs from Golden (n= 10), Spanish Imperial (n= 27), Bonelli´s eagles (n= 48 ) and Osprey (n= 15). From the eggs examined, 48% were infertile, the remaining contained embryos dead during the first (28%), second (6%) and third (18%) third of the incubation period. Late deaths, including dead in shell, were mostly due to bacterial diseases (45,3%), with Salmonella spp as the most frequently isolated. However, accidental cooling due to different reasons including nest falling by storms and parent abandon because or severe disturbance or poiso- ning were also extensively documented. Occasionally malpositions, with head between legs and head under wing as the most frequent, were also found to be responsible for late dead. In contrast, investigation of early and mid term deaths proved much difficult due to the severe autolysis that complica- tes, when not avoid, isolation of the microorganisms potentially responsible as well as documenting histopathological findings for accurate diagnosis and interpretation. Some early deaths have been correlated to parental lack of incubation experience, particularly male failure to take incubation turn and proper seating due to suboptimal pair bond, which leads to egg cooling. A considerable number of early deaths were related to egg breakage during the first third of the incubation period due to abnormal eggshell ultrastructure which increase fragility. Thus were usually related to combinations of not necessarily high levels of DDE and PCBs, or high levels of mercury.

- 58 - Third annual conference of the Eagle Conservation Alliance

- 59 - Third annual conference of the Eagle Conservation Alliance

Notes Third annual conference of the Eagle Conservation Alliance

Notes Third annual conference of the Eagle Conservation Alliance

Notes Third annual conference of the Eagle Conservation Alliance

Notes