DOmestic fowl in the diet of the black-and-chestnut eagle (spizaetus isidori) in the eastern andes of Colombia: A potential conflict with humans?

Large birds of prey, such as the Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori), are among the most threatened species, due to their high habitat requirements as top predators. In order to develop effective conservation plans for this group, more detailed knowledge of the different aspects of their biology and interaction with human communities is required. We evaluated the nestling diet of the Black-and-chestnut Eagle for three breeding periods using three different methods in the rural area of Gachalá-Cundinamarca, on the eastern slope of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. In addition, we surveyed people living in the study area to assess the existence of potential eaglehuman conflicts. Of the eight taxa recorded as prey, the Andean Guan (Penelope montagnii) was the most frequent (40%), while the House Chicken (Gallus gallus) contributed the greatest biomass (47%). Our surveys reveal an estimated yearly loss of one to two domestic fowl individuals per household, with 57% of owners surveyed claimed to have suffered losses. According to the survey results, inhabitants would prefer not to have the eagle breeding close to their houses (< 10 km), and would consider killing eagles if they preyed upon more than five domestic fowl individuals a year. To reduce the threat and the current human-eagle conflict in the area, it is important to consider "win-win" strategies, some of which are already being studied in the area, such as birdwatching initiatives.