Conservation Snapshots

Harpy Eagle

(Harpia harpyja)

The harpy eagle is often called the "ruler of the rainforest," but in fact it is one of the most endangered birds in Latin America. Though its range once extended from Mexico to Argentina, it has now disappeared almost entirely from Central America and is declining in other areas due to deforestation and habitat destruction.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA's) Raptor Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) is helping to conserve the harpy eagle by using it as a flagship species for endangered animals in Latin American countries. Through the Raptor TAG, AZA-accredited zoos, including Miami Metrozoo and San Diego Zoo are working with the Panamanian government and The Peregrine Fund to develop conservation programs for harpy eagles and to monitor wild populations. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is working to restore the harpy eagle population in Belize by breeding eagles at the Neotropical Raptor Center in Panama and releasing them into the rainforest.

Biological Information

Size	Over 39 inches tall with a seven-foot wingspan and grey/black/white coloration. This raptor (a bird of prey) has legs as thick as a small child's wrist that are equipped with five-inch talons.
Range	Rainforests with silk-cotton and other large trees that provide nesting space.
Habitat	Rain forests with silk-cotton trees that provide nesting space.
Diet	Sloths, monkeys, and other rain forest canopy mammals.
Breeding	Mate for life, raising at most one eaglet every two years.

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Conservation Snapshots

Harpy Eagle

Biological Information