News

August 2005:  David N. Kitler selected for first AFC Flag Expedition

The Artists for Conservation Foundation (formerly Worldwide Nature Artists Group) will be supporting David's AFC Flag Expedition proposal "Expedition to Observe and Portray the Endangered Harpy Eagle and its Habitat".  Within the next few months, David will travel to Panama to observe, study, and gather reference material for the subsequent portrayal of the Harpy Eagle and its habitat.  This will probably be the most extensive artistic study of the Harpy Eagle ever attempted, and will complement the scientific projects currently underway.

The resulting artwork, as well as the publicity the Expedition will generate, will be used to support conservation efforts to restore the Harpy Eagle to its historical ranges, while simultaneously helping to educate the public on the key role this species plays in the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem.

Although the AFC received several strong proposals, David's was viewed as the strongest, and the one that most closely represented the stated objectives of the program.  David's Expedition will be the first of the groundbreaking program.

Why Harpy Eagles?

This amazing raptor once ranged from Mexico to Argentina.  Unfortunately, the Harpy Eagle has disappeared almost entirely and has become one of the most critically endangered species.  The most powerful bird of prey in the world, the Harpy Eagle has few, if any, natural predators.  Only humans are a threat to this species, mainly through direct persecution or destruction of their habitat.  Because of their long chick-rearing period (only one chick every 2-3 years) and delayed sexual maturity (age 4-5), these external threats are extremely hard to offset, making it increasingly difficult for diminishing populations to rebound.

Because Harpy Eagles have the largest home ranges (a pair needs 30 sq km of forest to survive), when we protect the Harpy Eagle we are in fact protecting large areas of rainforest, along with all other species that live in them.  Supporting the conservation of Harpy Eagles and their habitat is, in fact, akin to supporting biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem.

About AFC Flag Expeditions

The AFC Flag Expeditions Program is a unique program established and operated by the Artists for Conservation Foundation.  The Program makes possible the field study and artistic rendering of endangered species and habitats deserving of greater public attention, with a strong emphasis on the study of unique, threatened habitats, and rare or endangered species in remote parts of the world.  AFC Signature Members, like David, can apply for support and the privilege of carrying the flag of this exclusive group of distinguished artists on their journey.  For more information about the AFC Flag Expeditions Program, visit www.artistsforconservation.org/programs/flag-expeditions.