The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) in the Infierno Native Community, Madre de Dios, Per. RENZO P.

PIANA Rainforest Expeditions. Aramburu 166 4B Lima 18 Per. E mail: isula@viabcp.com Since 1996, research on the biology of the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) has been conducted in the Native Community of Infierno (INC) located on the Tambopata River, department of Madre de Dios, Peru. During our fieldwork five active Harpy Eagles nests have been found. The average distance between nests sites was estimated on 7,4 km. From these sites we collected 112 prey remains. Of these, 80 were identified. Analyses based on the collected prey remains show that harpies predated on at least 15 species of birds and mammals. 84% of the prey remains belonged to mammals. Two-toed (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three toed (Bradypus variegatus) sloths were the most abundant prey item consumed by harpies making up to 31% of the identified prey remains. Data on the nesting sites characteristics was otained and a relation between Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) tree stands and the ocurrance of Harpy Eagles nesting sites was found. Four of five nesting sites were located inside Brazil nut tree stands. The average diameter of nesting trees was 139 cm (at breast height). The average height where the nests were build was 24.4 m. Participation of local people is considered the cornerstone of this project. In 1996, as a result of local peoples interest to protect Harpy Eagles, the community selected the Harpy Eagle as their symbol. I will like to give an ORAL PRESENTATION (will use Power Point).h