In a heartwarming twist, nature has surprised us once again. The sighting of the harpy eagle—a magnificent bird long thought to be extinct in Mexico—brings hope and joy to conservationists and bird lovers alike. This tale reveals the resilience of wildlife and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect it.

Over the years, the harpy eagle, South America’s largest raptor, has captured the imaginations of many. Named after a mythical creature known for its fierce nature, this majestic bird weighs up to 40 pounds and boasts an impressive wingspan of more than six feet. With females significantly larger than males, it’s no wonder they command attention wherever they soar.

While their populations flourish in parts of South America, harpy eagles have practically vanished from Central America, including Mexico. It was long believed that these iconic eagles had vanished from the Mexican landscape entirely. However, dedicated wildlife enthusiasts, fueled by hope and determination, sought to uncover the truth.

The journey to rediscover the harpy eagle began in 2011 when a local tour guide from the Siyaj Chan community, an Indigenous group near the Chiapas-Guatemala border, captured a breathtaking photograph. This unexpected glimpse of the eagle kindled a flame of interest among conservationists, prompting them to investigate further.

Nestled within the lush surroundings of the Lacandon Jungle—a vibrant tropical forest stretching over 1.9 million hectares—this ecosystem is crucial for the survival of the harpy eagle. The happy news, shared by renowned conservationist Alan Monroy-Ojeda, confirmed that these eagles might still thrive in the region.

“For many years, we thought it was lost to extinction in Mexico,” Monroy-Ojeda shared passionately. “Now, we can tell the world: the harpy eagle still graces our skies.” Yet, he cautioned that if they do still exist in Lacandon, their numbers are alarmingly low, possibly just a handful.

Despite their rarity, the harpy eagle is a favorite among avid birdwatchers. Known for their formidable presence, they typically lay only one egg every two to three years. This makes the survival of the species even more critical and the sighting all the more precious.

With its rich biodiversity—boasting 33% of Mexico’s bird species and 25% of its mammals—the Lacandon Jungle is a vital sanctuary for many species. Monroy-Ojeda’s organization is dedicated to protecting this biodiversity hotspot, ensuring that animals like the harpy eagle have a chance to thrive once again.

Excitingly, this sighting encourages hope and action among conservationists and nature lovers everywhere. Together, let’s spread this uplifting news and inspire others to cherish and protect our planet’s beautiful wildlife.