The first Black-and-chestnut (Spizaetus isidori) nest discovered in Argentina reveals potencial human-predator conflicts

ARÁOZ, R.; GRANDE, J. M.; LÓPEZ, C.; CEREGHETTI, J.; VARGAS, F. H.

JOURNAL OF RAPTOR RESEARCH

RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

Lugar: Lawrence, Kansas; Año: 2017 vol. 51 p. 79 - 82

0892-1016

Abstract.- The Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori), is one of the least known Neotropical raptors, with scarce information about its basic ecology throughout its entire distribution range. Internationally it is categorized as Endangered. On February 17th 2014, the first nest recorded for the species in Argentina, was found in Jujuy Province. The nest is located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Las Yungas, very close to human settlements. The pair successfully bred during the austral winter and spring in 2014 and produced one fledgling. Its diet included exclusively birds, being guans (Penelope sp. possibly P. obscura and P. dabbenei) the most common prey followed by birds of prey and domestic fowl (Gallus gallus). The diet of this pair suggests that this eagle could play a relevant role as a super-predator in the study area by impacting the most relevant frugivorous species as well as other top predators. The presence of domestic fowl in the diet is especially worrisome as it suggests the existence of a real conflict between eagles and local settlers. Further work is needed to clarify whether the results from this nest are representative of other areas of the species distribution in Argentina.