Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)

[Dark Jaguar]

Harpy AKA Royal Hawk gets back to the wild in South Bahia (Northeast Brazil)

https://agazetabahia.com/noticias/geral/...1-12-2014/

After 28 months of rehab the harpy eagle that was in RPPN Estação Veracel was successfully returned to nature.

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''The site chosen by the researchers was an Atlantic Forest area of the Pau Brasil National Park (PARNA-PAU BRASIL) and the whole process was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists that make up the Harpy Eagle Project in the Atlantic Forest which aims to protect this endangered species in southern Bahia.

Measuring a height of 93 cm, 6.7 kg and a wingspan of 2.03 meters (the length from one end of its wing open to the other), these measures were considered ideal by researchers, the bird of prey was released early in the morning and did not take long to feel at home. First it flew to a branch just in front of the structure in which it was transported to the release site and then it flew towards the woods. "Over the next 15 days she will be monitored in the field so that we can follow her adaptation to her new habitat. This procedure is considered standard and helps us understand its adaptability" explains the coordinator of the National Program for the Conservation of the Harpy Eagle, Dr. Tânia Sanaiotti. After this phase the bird will be monitored weekly by telemetry (VHF radio) and by the points detected by GPS signal for the next three years.

In addition to all the work done during the rehabilitation of the bird, the researchers evaluated the existing forests in the region to ensure that the bird would find the necessary conditions for its survival. As this is the third harpy eagle returned to the Atlantic Forest by the project, the location of the other two was also taken into consideration when choosing the site, preventing possible conflicts over territory.

The coordinator of Veracel Station RPPN, Virgínia Camargos, mentions the importance of this initiative. "Veracel understands that respect for and protection of the environment is intrinsic to its business. And being able to take care of, rehabilitate and return to nature a bird that is at the top of the food chain and try to ensure environmental balance in natural areas by conserving the existing forests in our region means that we are following the right path" concludes the Veracel Station RPPN manager. ''



Royal Hawk released with height of 93 cm, weighing 6.7 kg and had a wingspan of 2.03 meters.

*This image is copyright of its original author

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