Amazonian deforestation threatens horned eagles
A new study published in the journal Scientific report It was discovered that young horned eagles were dying in the Amazon region due to deforestation. The horned eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world. If the Amazon continues to deforest, its chance of survival is almost zero. The study has determined that horned eagles are starving to death in areas where severe deforestation occurs.
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Amazon is The last remaining hope For the survival of horned eagles, almost 90% of birds currently live there. The study warned that due to continued deforestation, the geographic range of the eagle is continuously restricted.
Professor Carlos Peres from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom and the co-author of the study said: “Considering that the life cycle of the horned eagle is the shortest of all birds Species, Their chances of adapting to high deforestation are almost zero. “
Adult female horned eagles grow to 10 kg and become one of the largest females Raptor in the world. They are native to tropical forests from Central America to northern Argentina. Unfortunately, due to human disturbance and extensive deforestation, eagles have disappeared from most of their habitat.
At present, the biggest threat to the survival of birds is deforestationHowever, hunting and other factors are also threatening their survival. In some countries, including Brazil, Panama, and Suriname, horned eagles are protected by law. Unfortunately, enforcing the law in these areas remains a huge challenge.
The research was led by Everton Miranda of the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.In their study, the researchers monitored 16 bird’s nests Brazilian Amazon Use the camera. They found that the eagles in the area mainly feed on two-toed sloths, brown capuchin monkeys, and gray hairy monkeys. Based on bone fragments observed around the nesting area, the researchers determined that eagles could not find alternative food in deforested areas.
The most shocking observation is that during the study period, at least 3 eagles died of starvation in areas with a deforestation rate of 50% to 70%. In areas where the deforestation rate exceeds 70%, no nests can be found.
Image pass cyrusbulsara