MUTUALISTIC RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE BRAZILIAN HARPY EAGLE Harpia harpyja (LINNAEUS, 1758)

Abstract

In nature, mutualistic interactions are a reality that some authors have documented, occurring directly or indirectly among a large number of species (TOWNSEND; BEGON; HARPER, 2009). The harpy eagle, a bird of prey also known as the Brazilian harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), is the largest eagle in the Americas, found in tropical forests of Central and South America and dependent on these environments for its survival (FONSECA, 2023). In Brazil, the harpy eagle is primarily recorded in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest, with rare records in other regions, such as central Brazil. Hunting and forest fragmentation threaten its existence, leading to this species being classified as endangered and classified as Vulnerable throughout its range (FONSECA, 2023). The breeding success of Accipitriformes depends on several factors, especially those found in captivity. Some of these factors are identified as temperature, food, and nesting material, and probably mutualistic interactions (GALETTI; CARVALHO, 2000; ALBUQUERQUE, 1995; BANHOS, 2009). Researchers observed an adult specimen that had traveled from Germany and recovered from respiratory difficulties in the presence of native bees, which sparked the issue of interactions between harpy eagles and bees (LOBATO et al., 2007). The mutualism observed was between harpy eagles and native bees Paratrigona lineata (Lepeletier, 1836) (Apidae: Meliponinae). Interactions like this have been reported in other birds, which is the focus of this literature review, which was based on research from scientific journals. Knowledge about the potential benefits that interactions with stingless bees can bring to birds is practically nonexistent, making it urgent to analyze these interactions between harpy eagles and native bees. The results will contribute to the development of management strategies for species conservation.