Conservation Threats to the (Harpia Harpyja) in terms of its Population Ecology

Anna McMurray BIOL 708R Introduction to Harpia Harpyja

• Family:

• Only living species in the

• The largest extant of prey in the Western Hemisphere

Harpy Eagle Habitat

• Lowland tropical moist forests • Historical range: southern to northern

Examine current vulnerability in terms of its life history strategy • Globally classified as Near-threatened (IUCN) • varies regionally • Major threats K-selected species

• Very low reproductive rate • Significant parental investment • Lifespan: ~35 years in the wild

• Result: removal of individuals has a high impact on overall population (Vargas et al, 2006) Habitat Requirements

• Require large, relatively pristine forested areas – Nest density: 16-24 km2 (), 48 km2 (Peru), 100 km2 (French Guiana) • Variety of prey with a preference towards mid- sized • Result: extremely vulnerable to deforestation and forest fragmentation Metapopulation Theory & Genetics • Concern that patch isolation could lead to a cut off of genetic flow between subpopulations and threaten the species • 2009 study by Lerner et al. - high genetic diversity in Harpy Eagle populations throughout their range Summary • Low reproductive rates and extensive habitat requirements puts harpy at risk of extinction • High genetic diversity despite population declines and fragmentation of habitat Conclusions

• Efforts need to focus on curbing illicit hunting and deforestation of their habitat • Maintaining genetic diversity in local populations

• More scientific studies necessary on the Harpy Eagles

References • Lenz, B. B. and A. Marajó Dos Reis. 2011. Harpy Eagle-primate interactions in central Amazon. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 125:404–408. BioOne • Lerner, HRL, Johnson JA, Lindsay AR, Mindel DP. 2009. It’s not too Late for the Harpy Eagle (Harpia Harpyja): High Levels of Genetic Diversity and Differentiation Can Fuel Conservation Programs. PLoS ONE 4(10): e7336. • Seymour, A. S., G. Hatherley, F. J. Contreras, J. Aldred, and F. Beeley. 2010. Hatching synchrony, green branch collecting, and prey use by nesting Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja). Wilson Journal of Ornithology 122:792–795 • Rettig, N. 1978. Breeding behavior of the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja). Auk 95:629–643. • Vargas González, J. and F. H. Vargas. 2011. Nesting density of Harpy Eagles in Darien with population size estimates for Panamá. Journal of Raptor Research 45:199–210. • Vargas, J. D., D. Whitacre, R. Mosquera, J. Albuquerque, R. Piana, J. Thiollay, C. Márquez, J. Sánchez, M. Lezama-López, S. Midence, S. Matola, S. Aguilar, N. Rettig, and T. Sanaiotti. 2006. Estado y distribución actual del águila arpía (Harpia harpyja) en Centro y Sur América. Ornitologia Neotropical 17:39–55. Thank you! Questions?