The Great Eagles

This book examines the current literature and knowledge on the evolution and ecology of all the birds named as eagles, with particular emphasis on the larger species. It also examines the past and current relations between eagles and people, including habitat change and conservation issues. Eagle ecologies and conservation are currently seriously impacted by human activities such as industrialization, urbanization, pollution, deforestation and hunting. Some eagle species have consequently experienced extreme population changes. There are, however, some positive developments. Eagles have a strong, historic bond with human civilization, due to their status as the world's most charismatic birds. Conservation policies have also been successful in repopulating some ecosystems with breeding eagles. Therefore, despite the complexity of this relationship, there may yet be hope for this unique species group, frequently rated as the kings of birds, and symbolic of human power, ambition, royalty, nationality, and even concepts of God. It is hoped that this book will contribute to the further understanding of these unique and fantastic birds.

Part 1: Eagle Classification, Genetics and Ecology 1. Systematic List of the "True Eagles" (Subfamily Aquilinae; Genus Aquila) 2. Systematic List of the "Booted Eagles" (Subfamily Aquilinae; Genera Hieraaetus, Spizaetus, Nisaetus, Lophaetus, Clanga, Ictinaetus, Stephanoaetus, Polemaetus and Lophotriorchis) 3. Systematic List of the Serpent Eagles Circaetinae: Genera Circaetus, Eutriorchis, Pithecophaga, Spilornis, Terathopius 4. Systematic List of the Sea Eagles Subfamily Haliaeetinae; Genus Haliaeetus 5. Systematic List of the Harpy Eagles Subfamily Harpiinae; Genera Harpia, Morphnus, Harpyopsis, and Buteogallus (formerly Harpyhaliaetus) Part 2: Eagles and Their Ecological Relations 6. Eagles and Their Competitors 7. Climate, Relief, Landcover and Eagles Part 3: Eagles and Conservation Issues 8. Eagles and Cultural Landscapes 9. Eagles and Environmental Chemistry 10. Eagle Ecology and Geomatics-Based Research 11. Eagles as Individuals and Free Spatial Agents 12. Eagles in Social History and Conservation