SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HARPIES, BEES, AND ANTS

Authors

  • Cristhopher Augusto de Oliveira Lima Veterinarian at Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), Department of Veterinary Medicine, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7442-8722
  • Patricia Aguiar Oliveira Veterinarian at Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), Department of Veterinary Medicine, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1471-8091
  • Gil Dutra Furtado Veterinarian at Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), Department of Veterinary Medicine, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5611-4814

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32435/envsmoke2026nassau01

Keywords:

Harpia harpyja, Survival, Ants, Bees, Conservation

Abstract

Nowadays, several species are becoming extinct for various reasons, whether due to human activities or climate change affecting their natural habitats. The Brazilian harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) is no exception, as it is already considered a threatened species. This makes the situation of this bird even more complex, as it not only has a slow reproductive rate but is also targeted by hunters in many of the regions it inhabits. The Brazilian harpy eagle depends on mutualistic relationships for its survival, such as the cleaning of its nostrils by Melipona bees or the maintenance of nest hygiene by ants. Through literature reviews and data analysis, it becomes clear that the Brazilian harpy eagle has higher reproductive success in areas where these species are present and can participate in symbiotic relationships. This thesis aims, through a literature review and scientific research, to analyse methods for preserving the species Harpia harpyja, which is endangered, by optimizing its in situ habitat. It is concluded that preserving these mutualistic relationships is essential for the Brazilian harpy eagle’s survival and should be protected and studied to optimize its quality of life and longevity.

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Author Biographies

  • Cristhopher Augusto de Oliveira Lima, Veterinarian at Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), Department of Veterinary Medicine, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

    Veterinarian at Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Avenida Presidente Epitácio Pessoa, 1213, Bairros dos Estados, 58039-000 João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

  • Patricia Aguiar Oliveira, Veterinarian at Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), Department of Veterinary Medicine, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

    1Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Av. Pres. Epitácio Pessoa, 1213, 58039-000 João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.

    2Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Regional Post-Graduate Programme in Development and Environment (PRODEMA), Cidade Universitária, 58051-970 João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.

  • Gil Dutra Furtado, Veterinarian at Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), Department of Veterinary Medicine, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

    Veterinarian at Maurício de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-PB), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. Agricultural Engineer and Educational Psychologist, PhD in Psychobiology and Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Development. Member of COOPAGRO (Agribusiness Technical Services Cooperative) and associate researcher at LABEA (Aquatic Ecology Laboratory) at the Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

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Published

2026-02-18

Issue

No. Special: Interdisciplinarity expanding the paths to social well-being

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Full Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Cristhopher Augusto de Oliveira Lima, Patricia Aguiar Oliveira, Gil Dutra Furtado

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How to Cite

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HARPIES, BEES, AND ANTS. (2026). Environmental Smoke, Special, 01-07. https://doi.org/10.32435/envsmoke2026nassau01