Harpy Eagle

The Harpy eagle is a powerful predator of Central and South American rainforests, using broad wings and strong talons to hunt monkeys and sloths in dense tree canopies. However, as climate change transforms its habitat into an open savanna, the harpy eagle will evolve. The first illustration shows the harpy eagle in its current rainforest home, with dark feathers, broad wings for maneuvering through dense trees, and large talons for grasping prey. The second illustration depicts its future form, soaring over grasslands with longer, pointed wings, and lighter-colored feathers, and standing on the ground with extended legs. Its claws will become shorter and straighter, adapted for grasping ground prey. To survive, the harpy eagle will develop sun-reflecting plumage, specialized blood vessels to release heat, and a slower metabolism to conserve energy. Despite the drastic changes, these modifications will help the harpy eagle thrive in its new environment.