Conservation medicine in action: the case of the endangered argentine crowned eagle (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus)

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

Los Angeles, California

Conferencia; AAZV ARAV Joint Conference; 2008

American Association of Zoological Veterinary

The crowned eagle (Harpyhalieatus coronatus) inhabits central and northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil and Bolivia. Internationally it 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. 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 central Argentina. Goals 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 lead, and 3) train argentine veterinarians, veterinary students, park rangers, biologists and conservation agents in the biomedical sampling and management of crowned eagles. Understanding the role macroparasites, microparasites and metals may play in the decline of these birds in the wild and their effect on ex-situ conservation programs may be essential for developing and maximizing effective conservation strategies for this endangered species.