* Widely distributed: They live across a large area of Central and South America, making a full count extremely challenging.
* Rare and elusive: Their low population density and habit of living high in the canopy make them hard to find and track.
However, we do know that harpy eagles are critically endangered.
* The IUCN Red List estimates that their population is declining, with only around 50,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
* This is a significant decrease from historical numbers, and the trend is worrying.
Key threats to harpy eagle populations include:
* Habitat loss and fragmentation: Deforestation and agricultural expansion are destroying their forest habitats.
* Hunting and trapping: They are sometimes hunted for their feathers or for perceived threats to livestock.
* Poisoning: They can be accidentally killed by pesticides and other poisons used in agriculture.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect harpy eagles, including:
* Establishing protected areas
* Monitoring populations
* Raising awareness about their plight
It's important to remember that the number 50,000 is an estimate, and the true number of harpy eagles might be lower. We need more research and conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this magnificent species.