Status and current distribution of the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) in Central and South America

Abstract

The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is one of the Neotropical raptors that are negatively affected by human activity such as deforestation and hunting. This paper brings together 356 reports regarding this species from 17 Neotropical countries, compiling information about the status and distribution of the Harpy Eagle from 1980 to 2002. These data will be useful to better understand the current status and distribution of the species. The reports from southern Mexico and Central America illuminate the precarious situation of Harpy Eagle populations in those regions. In South America, though the status of Harpy Eagles is a little better than in Central America, urgent action is still required in order to prevent further loss of their population. © The Neotropical Ornithological Society.