Fauna Journal Entry

Harpy Eagles Get Help in Panama (May 3, 2002)

Panama's threatened harpy eagle population is getting some help. The World Center for Birds of Prey has set up a bird center in the country to breed the eagles and eventually release them to the wild. The harpy eagle is close to extinction in Mexico and Central America and is quickly disappearing from much of South America. The majestic bird is the largest and most powerful bird of prey.

Harpy eagles have a wingspan of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and talons three times stronger than a Rottweiler's jaws. At one time, they soared in large numbers from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. Now there are less than 50 remaining in Mexico and Central America and only a few hundred in all of South America. They have been harmed by widespread deforestation throughout the region.

The World Center for Birds of Prey hopes to breed up to 10 eagles each year over the next 15 years. So far this year, two pairs of baby birds were born at the center and are doing well.