Neotropical Raptor Network (NRN) (RRN) Red de Rapaces Neotropicales

Edited by Magaly Linares (FPP) and Andrea Berkley (TPF) March 15, 2007

Educational Guides & Teacher Training Go Hand- Newsletter #3 in-Hand to Further Raptor Conservation in Panama By Marta Curti, Neotropical Environmental Education, FPP

The Peregrine Fund- Darien, the region that bor- Panama’s Neotropical Envi- ders with Colombia, and Inside this issue: 1 ronmental Education Pro- where a significant popula- gram (NEEP) is currently tion of wild Harpy Eagles focused on working in three remains. Most recently, we main target areas within have begun to work in 13 Raptor Teacher’s 1 Panama. The first area con- communities in the Bocas del Guide & Training sists of 16 communities sur- Toro region, where we have rounding Soberania National already released several in- 3rd Neotropical 1 Park (SNP) where The Pere- dependent Harpy Eagles and Raptor Conference grine Fund-Panama is soft where some wild Harpy Ea- releasing young Harpy Ea- gles still remain. 170 Turkey vultures 2 gles. The second area in- Work in these three ar- wing-tagged in cludes 21 communities in eas consists of communicat- ing with adults and children Venezuela Two children in a the importance of raptors in rural community, reading general and of the Harpy EU Bans Import of 2 educational materials on Eagle in particular. We use Wild Birds raptors PowerPoint presentations, Upcoming 3 games, art, and interactive Conferences exercises in order to teach tion message nation-wide, community members of all we have written an educa- 3 ages about the amazing tional guide for elementary Restoration Program world of birds of prey by dis- school teachers called Las seminating accurate infor- Aves Rapaces (Raptors, in Raptor Medicine 4 mation about raptors while English). The guide contains Studies Online dispelling the many myths five chapters on the biology, Las Aves Rapaces that surround these birds. taxonomy, cultural impor- “Cunsi Pindo: the 5 (Raptors) educational In an effort to further tance and conservation of Mistress of the Mon- guide for teachers expand our raptor conserva- Continued on page 5... keys” - a new book

New Books 6 Planning Underway for the 3rd Neotropical Raptor Conference in Colombia 2009

Following on the success of, 2009 in Colombia. The loca- Raptor Network listserv. We and the great interest ex- tion and date of the confer- hope to see you all in Colom- pressed in, the 2nd Neotropi- ence are yet to be deter- bia in 2009 to share your cal Raptor Conference, held mined, but you will be hear- knowledge and interest in in Iguazu, Argentina in ing more details about logis- the conservation and scien- 2006, the 3rd Neotropical tics and how you can partici- tific study of neotropical rap- Raptor Conference is cur- pate in future newsletters, tors. Stay tuned for more rently being planned for mid- and through the Neotropical information! ¤ Issue 3 Page 2

170 Turkey Vultures Wing-Tagged in Venezuela By Keith L. Bildstein, Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, work- Mississippi River and the western ing together with colleagues in Vene- Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Sas- zuela, including Adrian Naveda at the katchewan, Alberta, and British Co- Museo de la Estación Biológica de lumbia. The birds, which were tagged Rancho Grande, and staff at the Zoo shortly after they arrived in late au- in Maracaibo, placed color wing tags tumn in northwestern Venezuela, are on approximately 170 Turkey Vul- expected to begin migrating back to- tures over-wintering at the zoo in ward their breeding grounds in Febru- Zulia State, northwestern Venezuela. ary and March 2007. Their move- The birds were tagged as part of an ments should take them through Cen- ongoing study of long-distance migra- tral America and , and into the tion in the species. Most, if not all, of western United States and Canada. Vulture wing tagged with blue marker the tagged birds appear to be mem- The project has three goals: (1) to bers of the meridionalis or western raise attention for Turkey vulture wing tag, please report the date and North American subspecies of the migration among bird watchers and specific location of your sighting, to- Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), a conservationists in Central and North gether with the color of the tag, the race whose breeding range includes America, (2) to learn the breeding ori- number on the tag, the wing (right or much the United States west of the gins of the birds and whether or not left) to which the tag is attached, and they flew into and out of Venezuela as the circumstances of the sighting in- a cohesive group from a small breed- cluding whether or not the bird was ing area in North American, and (3) to alone or in a group of vultures, flying determine if they will over-winter in or perched, feeding or roosting, etc. the same area next year. Dead birds also should be reported. Reports of wing-tagged vultures Report your sightings in writing will help Hawk Mountain scientists to Keith Bildstein at the Hawk Moun- determine the timing and geography tain Sanctuary Acopian Center for of migration in the species, as well as Conservation Learning, 410 Summer the eventual breeding areas of the Valley Road, Orwigsburg, PA 17961; birds. Some of the vultures carry red by e-mail to [email protected]: wing-tags with white numbers, others or by phone to 1-570-6433411 ext. carry light-blue wing tags with black 108. All reports will be recognized, numbers. A “Wanted Poster” for the and individuals reporting tagged birds vultures is available at the Hawk will receive summary information on Mountain website and as a PDF from the study. We thank you in advance Group of tagged Keith Bildstein (email below). for keeping on the lookout for these Turkey vultures If you see a Turkey Vulture with a special birds. ¤

by Lloyd Kiff, Coordinator, Global Raptor Info. Network EU Bans Import of Wild Birds http://www.globalraptors.org/grin/indexAlt.asp

The European Union decided unani- strain of avian flu was found in a quar- vested for sale in the EU died during mously on 11 January 2007 to prohibit antine facility in the . capture and transport. Many of these the import of wild birds in order to pre- This decision makes that ban perma- birds, such as the African gray parrot vent the introduction of infectious dis- nent. Only captive-bred birds from ap- and the scarlet macaw, are rare and eases including avian influenza. As a proved countries will be allowed into the endangered species. result, as many as four million birds a EU. Over the last two years, a coalition year will remain in the wild, spared Prior to 2005, the EU constituted 90 of some 240 conservation and animal from the international pet trade. percent of the world’s market for wild welfare groups urged the EU to end all The EU passed a temporary ban on birds, importing some two million birds such imports because of infectious dis- the import of wild birds in 2005 when a annually. Bird conservation experts esti- eases, wild bird conservation and ani- bird infected with the highly pathogenic mate that roughly half of the birds har- mal welfare concerns. ¤ Issue 3 Page 3

Capture & handling techniques, mist nets, The Association of Field Ornithologists Conferences broadcast call surveys, tree climbing & rap- 2007 Annual Meeting. University of Maine pelling, clutch counts, reading molt, video (Orono, Maine, USA) 26-29 July 2007. Talks surveillance & telemetry equipment. & posters on a variety of topics. VIIIth Neotropical Ornithological Con- www.raptorresearch.com/workshop www.afonet.org/english/meeting gress. Neotropical Ornithological Society (NOS) & Venezuelan Ornithologists' Union XVth Brazilian Ornithological Confer- II Colombian Ornithology Conference (UVO) (Maturín, Estado Monagas, Vene- ence. (Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil) 30 June - 6 (Bogota, Colombia) 8 - 10 August 2007. zuela) 13-19 May 2007. To support research July 2007. www.ararajuba.org.br/cbo2007 www.ornitologiacolombiana.org/congreso

& conservation of Neotropical birds. The 16th Regional Meeting of the Society for 2nd Annual Eagle Conservation Alliance conference will feature lectures by invited the Conservation & Study of Caribbean speakers, symposia, round-table discussions, Workshop. African Safari (Puebla, Mexico). workshops, short oral presentations & post- Birds . Puerto Rican Ornithological Society September 2007. For more info. on ECA & ers. Students & amateur ornithologists wel- (San Juan, Puerto Rico) 18 - 24 July 2007. the workshop contact Juan Manuel Blanco come. www.nocvenezuela.org/en/index Technical paper sessions, symposia, work- ([email protected]), Frank Carlos shops, working group meetings, & field trips Camacho ([email protected]) Introduction to Raptor Field Tech- on bird research, management & conserva- or David Rimlinger niques Workshop. Linwood Springs Field tion work in the Caribbean. www.scscb.org ([email protected]).

Station (central Wisconsin, USA). Session 1: (more info to come under “News”). 13-15 June 2007, Session 2: 20-22 June 2007. Continued on page 4...

The Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program: It’s Soaring! By Sharon Matola, Director, The

that the released eagles are taking full advantage of this vast forest and the “A greater awareness about the abundant prey contained therein. In recent months, two birds that had been Harpy eagle and the valuable role released in Belize have moved into this raptor plays in tropical forest southern Mexico, and two more have ecology has been realized.” found a comfortable home in Tikal Na- tional Park, Guatemala. Tikal, a World Heritage Site, is home to stunning Maya more about their prey base and hunting Released Harpy eagle in Rio Bravo ruins, and now adds to its list of stellar behaviors. The released Harpy Eagles attractions, a possible sighting of a have been seen feeding on a variety of Harpy eagle. Indeed, the released birds prey including coatimundis, kinkajous, have become "mega stars" in Tikal, and anteaters. We have also found that The Peregrine Fund’s Harpy Eagle drawing further attention to the impor- Harpy eagles will prey upon Grey foxes, Restoration Program, aimed at restoring tant conservation work that has been a new discovery in the dietary regime of this rare species back into the forests of brought to the northern segment of the the Harpy. Panama and other portions of the Meso- MBC by The Peregrine Fund. A key factor in the success of this american biological corridor (MBC), offi- Due to the hard work of several project is an aggressive environmental cially "migrated" to Belize in 2003. Since biologists who track these birds on the education campaign, focusing upon the then, and thanks to a strong partner- ground, we have also been able to learn importance of this species and its con- ship between The Peregrine Fund, the servation. Educators from The Belize governments of Belize and Panama, and Zoo have been continually taking this The Belize Zoo, nine captive-bred Harpy message to local schools and communi- eagles have been restored back into the ties. As a result, a greater awareness forests of northern Belize. about the Harpy Eagle and the valuable This northern tropical forest land- role this raptor plays in tropical forest scape is known as "the Selva Maya" and, ecology has been realized. covering portions of Belize, Mexico and In the future, it is hoped that more Guatemala, it is the largest tract of Harpy eagles will be released, aware- tropical forest remaining north of the ness about the program stays on the Amazon basin. Through the information increase, and this conservation program garnered from both VHF and satellite Marta Curti performing continues to maintain a successful pro- transmitters, which allow us to track Harpy eagle outreach file in northern Central America. ¤ the birds as they disperse, it is clear Issue 3 Page 4

Raptor Medicine Studies Available Online By Diego Soler Tovar, MV, Wildlife Veterinarian Assoc. (VVS) Ornithological Assoc. of Colombia (ACO) Note: These articles are available online in Diurnal raptor medicine Spanish only. (Falconiformes). When you have a sick diurnal raptor bird, the first thing to do is to Radiograph showing shoulder Illegal trafficking of raptors in Bogotá, complete clinical examination, take X-rays, luxation caused by trauma Colombia: experiences in two rehabilita- and administer the appropriate fluid therapy, tion centers. Colombia is the tropical coun- when needed. Then you can diagnose the try with the highest number of raptors – 77 problem, and address its causes. Diseases Trauma as the main cause of admission species of Falconiformes and 26 species of affecting raptors include those of nutritional to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilita- Strigiformes. Among the several factors that or infectious origin (bacteria, virus, fungus or tion Unit (URRAS) of the National Uni- affect the conservation of tropical raptors, parasites), intoxications, and metabolic prob- versity of Colombia (1996-2006). Trauma deforestation and habitat fragmentation are lems. They can also be affected by a number is the most common reason why raptors ar- the main issues, and in the last decade, of tumors, although this is not the most com- rive at URRAS. Cephalic traumas are fre- smuggling of live raptors (trafficking to inter- mon problem. Injuries and trauma are the quent among raptors, and the neurological national markets) has also become signifi- most frequent reasons people take their birds problems derived may affect their complete cant. To learn about this situation in Bogota, to the veterinarian. There are measures that recovery. Ocular trauma may cause lacera- information about nocturnal and diurnal can be taken to prevent diseases in captive tions in the cornea, lenticular proptosis and raptors that arrived at the Wildlife Reception birds. partial or complete retinal detachment. Rap- and Rehabilitation Center (CRRFS) and the tor’s large sized eyes, in comparison to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Unit For more information, please visit: size of its skull, facilitates the opportunity of (URRAS) between the year 2001 and 2005 http://www.humboldt.org.co/chmcolombia/ traumas and intraocular hemorrhages. was gathered and analyzed. During this pe- servicios/jsp/redes/rapaces/medicina.htm Therefore, evaluation of vision is compli- riod of time, 123 raptors were admitted at the cated, and it compromises the full recovery of CRRFS and 75 more at URRAS, most of them the bird. Fractures of long bones are also during April and August. The most common common findings. There are techniques de- species were Buteo spp. and Falco spp. from scribed for repairing bones, but a good physi- the order Falconiformes, and Tyto spp. and cal examination, appropriate X-rays and Megascops spp, from the order Strigiformes. timely surgery (if necessary) will improve Most of them came from Bogota; and the chances of recovery. Both external and inter- main cause of admission was due to some nal fixation techniques for repairing bones kind of trauma, followed by infectious dis- are effective. Finally, a postoperative period eases such as candidiasis and tricomoniasis. of time must include a consistent exercising program to prepare the bird for release. For the entire study, visit: Holding Spyzaetus tyrannus at a http://www.humboldt.org.co/chmcolombia/ For more information, please visit: http:// rehabilitation center servicios/jsp/redes/rapaces/trafico.htm www.veterinariosvs.org/gifs/raptormed.html ¤

Upcoming Conferences and Meetings, continued from page 3

IV International Symposium on Breed- Conference/6th_izw_conference.html~rechts 4th International Partners in Flight ing Birds in Captivity (Toronto, Ontario, Conference (McAllen, Texas, USA) 13 - 16 Canada) 12 - 16 September 2007. The theme Raptor Research Foundation’s 5th Eura- February 2008. “Tundra to Tropics: Connect- is “Conservation Through Aviculture ” and sian Conference (Batumi, Georgia) 9 - 13 ing Birds, Habitats & People”. Focus on in- will host some 40 international speakers October 2007. Hosted by GCCW and DENRA. ternational connections of all sorts that fur- ranging from ornithologists, zoologists, con- www.gccw.org/conference/index ther bird & habitat conservation throughout servationists & aviculturists. www.isbbc.org the Western Hemisphere. World Owl Conference 2007: Owls, Am- www.pwrc.usgs.gov/pif/events/2008_mcallen 6th International Zoo & Wildlife Re- bassadors for the Protection of Nature In search Conference on Behavior, Physiol- their Changing Landscapes. BirdLife The Ingestion of Spent Lead Ammunition: ogy & Genetics . Leibniz Institute for Zoo & Netherlands, Global Owl Project, & World Implications for Wildlife & Humans. The Wildlife Research & the European Associa- Owl Trust (Groningen, Netherlands) 31 Octo- Peregrine Fund (Idaho, USA) 13-15 May tion of Zoos & Aquaria (Berlin, Germany) 7 - ber - 4 November 2007. 2008. To consolidate understanding of impli- 10 October 2007. To foster an exchange of www.worldowlconference.com cations of wildlife & human ingestion of lead ideas among international specialists from ammunition residues, so that such informa- many disciplines working with free-ranging Reunion Argentina de Ornitologia (San tion can guide its regulation. Check TPF’s & captive animals. www.izw-berlin.de/de/ Martin de los Andes, Neuquen, Patagonia) 5- website for more information http:// veranstaltungen/index.html?6th -IZW- 8 March 2008. www.rao.org.ar www.peregrinefund.org. ¤ Issue 3 Page 5

“Cunsi Pindo: the Mistress of the Monkeys”

A Book About the Harpy Eagle in Ecuador By Ruth Muñiz–López, Scientific Director, Harpy Eagle Conservation Prog. Ecuador SIMBIOE

The Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) natural resources, and we have to con- is one of the least-known members of sider them in addition to plant and ani- the forest world of lianas and huge mal species. In a conservation strategy, trees. Nevertheless, it is one of the most which often includes active and sustain- important spirits of the rainforest for able management of a resource, the cul- indigenous cultures that share its habi- tural, social and economical aspects Cover of “Cunsi Pindo: the tat, the biggest raptor in the Americas, have to be taken into account, in addi- and the most powerful raptor in the tion to biological and geographical at- Mistress of the Monkeys” world. Its claws can pierce the skull of a tributes. In doing so, we can contribute monkey or sloth—its main prey—as toward the conservation of the eagles, as edited by SIMBIOE – the first book in easily as one would expect for a bird well as the social and ecological systems the world about the Harpy eagle. It de- with the longest claw of all forest birds, they are tied to. In this spirit, the Na- scribes the Harpy eagle conservation more than 7 cm long. Whereas we hu- tional Strategy to Conserve the Harpy program, how it was started, and how it mans have to move through the forest at Eagle in Ecuador was born, handled by has grown over time. a “machete speed”, these eagles slalom the Environmental Ministry of Ecuador. The book has a format of 28x28 cm between tree branches at 80 km/h dur- To increase the limited knowledge and includes more than 100 incredible ing their silent hunting flights. The fe- about this species we have developed a photographs by the accomplished nature males—over one metre long and 10 kg research agenda that is an essential photographer Pete Oxford. It contains in weight—can lift prey weighing more piece of the overall program. It involves more than 250 pages, with presentation than 12 kg, tear it to pieces and carry it locating nests to understand the Harpy in Spanish and English languages. The back to the nest. eagle’s behaviour, their relationships book contains two main sections: one In Ecuador, SIMBIOE (Ecuadorian with other species, and the condition of more general and visual, and the other Biodiversity Research and Monitoring their habitat. It also includes following more scientific. Included is a chapter Society) is developing a program related the growth of juveniles to determine dedicated to Harpy eagle bioacoustics. to this peculiar species. The focus is on what they need to survive. One of the The book comes accompanied by a 15 conservation biology, a field different main goals is to increase the Harpy ea- minute DVD documentary about the from simply “preservation of natural gle’s cultural and natural value in Ecua- project and the Ecuadorian Harpy ea- resources”, which is a concept more dor, and to incorporate these values into gles, produced in the Ecuadorian Ama- static that tries to avoid management government action and policies. zon Basin by AVATAR PRODUC- interventions in ecosystems. In areas This research and our experiences CIONES from Spain. All the funds col- targeted for conservation, there are of- are compiled in a new book titled “Cunsi lected from the book will go toward the ten human populations using their Pindo: the Mistress of the Monkeys”, Harpy eagle conservation program. ¤

Educational Guides & Teacher Training “We had to provide teachers with an continued from page 1 opportunity to develop an interest and affection for raptors while building on raptors and a sixth chapter with a vari- ers will actually utilize the information their general conservation knowledge to ety of educational activities that use and feel comfortable teaching the mate- include raptor biology, ecology, and birds of prey to teach concepts in lan- rial contained within the guide. In order guage, science, art, math and even to make this happen, we knew that behavior.” physical education. We have printed the merely having a copy of the guide would first 500 copies of the guide and distrib- not be enough. We had to provide teach- Education. To date, we have hosted six uted roughly one-third of them to educa- ers with an opportunity to develop an workshops and trained roughly 135 tors both locally and internationally. interest and affection for raptors while teachers. Our goal for this guide is two-fold. building on their general conservation Though we still have a long way to First, we hope to distribute it through- knowledge to include raptor biology, go to reach all the educators within Pa- out Panama, so that in the next few ecology, and behavior. To this end, we nama, we are very happy to report that years, most, if not all elementary school developed and have implemented a 40 we have already seen some teachers teachers in the country will have a copy. hour teacher training workshop that has using the activities from the guide in The second step is to ensure that teach- been approved by Panama’s Ministry of several different communities and schools. ¤ Newsletter #3 The NRN is a membership -based organization. Its goal is to aid the research and conservation of Neotropical rap- Fondo Peregrino - Panamá tors by promoting communication and collaboration among Telefax: (507) 317 - 0064 biologists, ornithologists, raptor enthusiasts, and other Apdo. 0844-00230 conservationists working in the Neotropics. República de Panamá www.peregrinefund.org www.fondoperegrino.org

NRN Coordinator Magaly Linares [email protected] To join the NRN please send an email to [email protected], We’re online! introducing yourself and stating www.neotropicalraptors.org your interest in Neotropical raptor research and conservation.

The following are a few of the recently Haiti by Steven C. Latta. Princeton published books of interest to ornitholo- New Books! University Press, 2006, 258 pages. gists, biologists, conservationists and raptor enthusiasts working in the ing, 2006, 176 pages. A Scientist's Guide to Talking with Neotropics. the Media, Practical Advice from Falconry: The Essential Guide by the Union of Concerned Scientists English Steve Wright. Crowood Press, 2006, 160 by Richard Hayes, Daniel Grossman. Soaring with Fidel: An Osprey Od- pages. UCS, 2006, 200 pages. yssey from Cape Cod to Cuba and Beyond by David Gessner. Beacon Avian Flight (Oxford Ornithology Se- Spanish Press, 2007, 320 pages. ries) by John J. Videler. Oxford Univer- Cunsi Pindo : la señora de los sity Press, 2006, 280 pages. monos by Muñiz-López R., P. Tufiño, G.

Projecting land use changes in the Carrillo & J.M. Marcos Pino. Ediciones Birds of Northern South America: An Neotropics: The geography of pas- SIMBIOE, 250 pages. Identification Guide (Two Volumes) by ture expansion into forest [ An arti- Robin Restall, Clemencia Rodner, Miguel cle from: Global Environmental Las Aves Rapaces: Guía Didáctica Change ] (Digital - available on Ama- Lentino. Yale University Press, 2007. de Educación Ambiental, by The zon.com) by T. Wassenaar, P. Gerber, Peregrine Fund - Fondo Peregrino P.H. Verburg, M. Rosales, M. Ibrahim, All the Birds of Brazil: An Identifica- H. Steinfeld. Elsevier, 2007, 18 pages. tion Guide (2nd ed.) by Deodato Souza. Panamá, 2006, Universal Books, 112 Revised Second edition, 2006. English pages. Download from http:// Connectivity Conservation edition edited and prepared by Steve peregrinefund.org/pdfs/FONDO% (Conservation Biology) by Kevin R. Dudley. Also available in Portuguese. 20PEREGRINO.pdf Crooks (Ed.), M. Sanjayan (Ed.). Cam- bridge University Press, 2006, 726 Birds of Mexico and Central America Guia de Campo Ilustrada de las pages. by Ber Van Perlo. Princeton University Aves de Panamá (An illustrated Field Press, 2006, 336 pages. Guide to the Birds of Panama) by Behavioral Approaches to Conser- Ernesto Ponce and Giselle Muschett. vation in the Wild by Janine R. Clem- Peregrine Quest: From a Naturalist’s Illustrations: Víctor Esquivel Soto. Edi- mons (Ed.), Richard Buchholz (Ed.). Field Notebook by Clayton White. ciones Balboa, 2006, 550 pages. Also Cambridge University Press, 2006, 404 Western Sporting, 2006, 390 pages. available in English. pages. The International Politics of Bird Arboles y Arbustos de Panamá Conservation: Biodiversity, Region- Birds: A Visual Guide by Joanna Bur- (Trees and Shrubs of Panama) by Luis alism and Global Governance by ger. Firefly Books, 2006, 304 pages. G. Carrasquilla R. / Universidad de Robert Boardman. Edward Elgar Pub- Panamá. Imprelibros S.A. (Colombia) Migrating Raptors of the World: lishing, 2006, 265 pages. para Editora Novo Art, S.A. - Panamá, Their Ecology and Conservation by 2006, 478 pages. Also available in Eng- Keith L. Bildstein. Comstock Publish- Birds of the Dominican Republic and lish. ¤