DW edit:
Historically, interactions of indigenous peoples with the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) have involved a mixture of fear and awe: fear of its hunting prowess--that the powerful raptor would see their young children or pets or domesticated animals as potential prey, and awe of its strength—so much so that the bird's feathers and talons have been coveted by many as symbols of power. Unfortunately, at this point, neither fear nor awe can effectively protect this species. Some native communities have encouraged Harpy Eagle conservation through education, through the involvement of indigenous communities in monitoring activities, and through financial rewards for protecting nesting sites, which have led more members of the scientific community to visit critical habitat. These researchers are well-positioned to assess key aspects of resource use and ecological resilience.
Original:
Historically, interactions of indigenous peoples with the Harpy Eagle has
involved a mixture of fear and awe: fear that the powerful raptor would
see their young children as prey, and awe of its strength, with the
bird's feathers and talons being coveted as symbols of power.
Unfortunately neither practice boded well for the protection of this
species. In some native communities, Harpy Eagle conservation has been
encouraged through education, the involvement of indigenous communities
in monitoring activities, and financial rewards received from the
protection of Harpy Eagle nesting sites, which has led to an increase in
visits by members of the scientific community.
|
