Kwun Tong Maryknoll

1. Kwun Tong Maryknoll College I.S. Project The Extinction Species The Harpy Eagles

2. The Extinction Species, Harpy Eagles Description of Eagles Eagles are large, powerful birds of prey. These meat-eaters have a large beak and large, clawed feet, which they use to catch their prey. They hunt during the day, catching their prey. Eagles mate for life. They are monogamous and use the same nest each year to raise their baby bird. The Characteristics of the Harpy Eagles The Harpy Eagle is the largest eagle and the most powerful bird of prey in the world. It is a magnificent meat-eater that lives in Central and South American rainforest. This large eagle makes whistling and clicking calls. It is an endangered species because of the fragmentation and destruction of its habitat, and also because of hunting. The Body Structure of Harpy Eagles: Harpy Eagles are about 86 cm long and have a wingspan of about 2 m. Females are about a third larger than males. On average, female harpies weigh 7-9 kg, and male harpies weigh 5-8 kg. Their curved talons are up to 12.5 cm long.  

3. The Extinction Species, Harpy Eagles Diet of the Harpy Eagles: Eagles are meat-eaters; they hunt during the day. Harpies eat animals such as monkeys or birds. The eagle dives down onto its prey and catches it with outstretched, clawed feet. Eggs and Nests: Harpy Eagles mate for life; they build a large nest made of sticks and twigs. Nests are usually located very high. It is often over 40 m in trees or on cliffs. Females lay 1-2 eggs in each clutch (a set of eggs laid at one time), but only one survives. The incubation period is about 53 to 56 days. Both parents care for the young.   Is this species, the Harpy Eagles, threatened, and if so, why? According to a botany professor at The University of Texas at Austin, half of all living bird and mammal species will be gone within 200 or 300 years. Therefore, the Harpy Eagles are also an endangered species. The factors include human impacts and natural factors. Firstly, they are affected by the human impacts. They face the problem of being hunted. They were once the preys of the human hunters before there were laws to prohibit human being hunting of eagles . Besides, they are threatenedby the natural factors. It is due to the recent change in the environment such as the climatic or habitat change. So they face the problems of destruction of its habitat. Its nesting habitat has been degraded, and many sites are vulnerable to predation and human disturbance. References http://www.newswise.com/articles/2002/1/EXTINCT.TXA.html http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/birds/printouts/Harpyeagle.shtml http://www.ramas.com/pva.htm * The End *