Conservation Medicine in Action: The case of the Endagered Crowned Eagle (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus)

MIGUEL D. SAGGESE; AGUSTÍN IE. QUAGLIA; ROBERTO PEREYRA LOBOS; ANDRÉS E. CAPDEVILLE; JÓSE H, SARASOLA; JUAN J. MACEDA; RAMIRO RODRÍGUEZ; GUILLERMO WIEMEYER

Pomona, California

Conferencia; Avian Disease and Conservation Conference; 2008

College Veterinary Medicine. Western University of Health Sciences

The crowned eagle (Harpyhalieatus coronatus), (Order Falconiformes, Family Accipitridae), inhabits central and northern Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and eastern Bolivia. Internationally, this bird of prey is classified as endangered and is currently considered one of the most threatened raptors in Argentina. Information about its biology and natural history is limited. Like other large-sized birds of prey, crowned eagles require large territories in which to live and hunt their prey. Most reports about their breeding biology suggest that this eagle raises only one chick every two years. The reasons for crowned eagle scarcity are not well understood. Human persecution, reduction in the availability of prey, and loss of natural habitat are the major proposed causes for its continuing decline. Furthermore, collisions with vehicles and electrocution by power lines have been proposed as contributing factors to its endangerment. The potential role of macroparasites, microparasites and heavy metals in its decline and population dynamics has not been previously investigated. The aim of this presentation is to summarize biomedical work that is already being conducted with captive and free-ranging crowned eagles in several areas of Argentina. The goals of this study are to collect baseline clinical reference values and investigate the consequences of their exposure to selected human, domestic animals and avian pathogens and metals in captive adults and free-ranging young crowned eagles. Understanding the role macroparasites, microparasites and metals may play in the decline of these birds in the wild, their effect on ex-situ conservation programs and human and domestic animals may be essential to the effective management and development of conservation strategies. In order to achieve these goals the main specific aims of this study are to: 1) collect data on baseline physiological reference values, including hematology, serum biochemistry and plasma cholinesterase activity in captive adults and free-ranging nestling crowned eagles; 2) investigate their exposure to selected macroparasites, microparasites and metals, and 3) train argentine veterinarians, veterinary students, park rangers , biologists, and field conservation agents in the biomedical sampling of crowned eagles and other birds of prey. Samples are currently being obtained from captive crowned eagles held at various zoos and rehabilitation centers in Mendoza, Buenos Aires and the Misiones provinces of Argentina. These birds are currently being maintained in these facilities for educational purposes and are expected to be utilized in ex-situ conservation programs on location. Samples from free-ranging crowned eagles are being obtained from nestlings in two different populations currently under intensive investigation in the Mendoza and La Pampa provinces. Given that the recovery and management of these eagles cannot be successfully achieved without the direct participation and commitment of local communities, lectures and workshops describing the importance of eagles and other birds of prey to their ecosystems are currently being given in affected areas. The main objective of these talks is to increase the knowledge of the inhabitants about crowned eagles, other raptor species and their habitats, highlighting the role that eagles play in natural ecosystems as well as the problems surrounding their conservation. Ultimately, the harmonious coexistence of eagles, humans and domestic animals co-existing in the few remaining areas where these eagles live is a sin equa non condition to assure the long term survival and population recovery of the endangered Argentine Crowned Eagle.