Christine Sonvilla

Christine Sonvilla @christinesonvilla - The ultimate urban raptor⁠ Wildlife and Nature 2019 Finalist⁠ @LuganoPhotoDays 2019⁠ •⁠ The crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) is one of Africa’s apex predators that can be found in tropical forests across Africa, but reaches one of its highest densities in the greater Durban area and around Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A large eagle in downtown Durban is quite an exceptional thing. It feeds on prey like vervet monkeys, duikers or rock hyraxes, occasionally young eagles also prey on people’s pets, cats and dogs, which can get them into conflict. Scientist Dr. Shane McPherson and his colleague Dr. Petra Sumasgutner have been doing research on these eagles for many years, trying to reduce conflict potential between the raptors and humans. They give talks and organize public chick ringings in order to involve the people, getting them interested for conservation work. Crowned eagles can act as a flagship species to help preserve their habitat – the remaining tropical forests - and many other species, that also depend on these forests.⁠ •⁠ Click link ⁠in bio for details.⁠ •⁠ •⁠ #luganophotodays #photocontest #luganoaward #wildlife #nature #wildlifephotography #photooftheday