Human Persecution is An Important Threat to the Conservation of the Endangered Black-and-Chestnut Eagle in Northern Andes

Background

Human-wildlife conflicts are widespread and put threatened species at an even higher risk of extinction. Human persecution of threatened wild animals with the aim to protect domesticated animals contributes to the decline of threatened wild animals. The black-and-chestnut eagle is under threat in the northern Andes of Ecuador and Colombia due to efforts to protect domestic poultry.

Goals and Methods

The authors compile records of shot or captured eagles within the past 23 years to understand if human persecution of the eagles is still prevailing and how prevalent it is. The authors analyze the records of shot or captured birds to evaluate the impact on the eagle population.

Conclusions and Takeaways

The authors find that 96 black-and-chestnut eagles are affected by human persecution. Prevention of poultry predation is the primary driver of persecution. The authors recommend for stricter laws surrounding human persecution of the eagles as well as improved educational programs about wildlife and strengthening the capacities of rural communities to reduce poultry exposure to the eagles.