Habitat
Previously, Harpy Eagles were able to be found from the south of Mexico through Central and South America all the way down to the northern rain forests of Argentina. The reason for their disappearance is caused by loss of habitat and shooting. Harpy Eagles are a Neotropical (meaning they live in one of the eight ecozones dividing the Earth's surface) rain forest species. They live at low elevations in the rain forest where they are able to find their prey and tall trees for nests. They live amongst a large diversity of animals, each one playing an important role in the ecosystem.
While these eagles prefer large areas a group of biologists have observed that they can survive in some habitats that have been altered by humans as long as there is enough to eat, they have tall trees to nest in, and people don’t harm them. Their loss of habitat is predominately caused by humans who use the rain forest for logging and building sites. Biologists believe the Harpy Eagle needs more than a hectare of preserved forest area just for hunting. Without their natural habitat and ecosystem, these birds are being forced to find smaller prey which does not fulfill their daily intake, thus eventually they will starve.
While these eagles prefer large areas a group of biologists have observed that they can survive in some habitats that have been altered by humans as long as there is enough to eat, they have tall trees to nest in, and people don’t harm them. Their loss of habitat is predominately caused by humans who use the rain forest for logging and building sites. Biologists believe the Harpy Eagle needs more than a hectare of preserved forest area just for hunting. Without their natural habitat and ecosystem, these birds are being forced to find smaller prey which does not fulfill their daily intake, thus eventually they will starve.