Description: Protected areas are a relatively new development in Guyana, which makes conservation efforts both more difficult and more critical. Conservation International has focused its energy on the Kanuku Mountain region of southwestern Guyana, home to the largest known population of the endangered harpy eagle. Projects in Guyana are meeting with growing success, as conservationists work in league with indigenous people to create protected areas and "conservation concessions," land leased from governments for the purpose of conservation. The data collected here is critical to continuing these efforts.
Brief description: Philip W. Willink is a researcher in and Barry Chernoff is chairman of the Department of Zoology at the Field Museum. Leeanna E. Alonso is director of the Rapid Assessment Program. Jensen R. Montambault is an editor for the Rapid Assessment Program. Reinaldo Lourival is Conservation International's Pantanal Coordinator.