The moment Veterinarian Alexander Blanco collects a juvenile harpy eagle from its nest in the Imataca Forest Reserve in Venezuela. Harpy eagles were once widespread in Central and South America, but today they are in decline, and their exact numbers are unknown. Field researchers sample the birds' blood to study their genetic diversity and attach transmitters to track hunting and nesting habits. Ecologists will use the data to better understand the population size and advise captive breeding programs.
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