Species endangered (MS-Blog Series from) XV

(South American) Harpy Eagle

Class: Avia

Order: Falconiformes (/Accipitridae)

Latin name: Harpia Harpyja

Range: Amazon rain forests (Range reaches various countries and it still appears on large part of South- and Central Americas where's suitable lowland tropical forest. Considered locally or regionally extinct on some ranges where it formerly was common, but currently been reintroduced on parts of that range, too.)

IUCN: NT (VU) / CITES: Appendix I

So far of a lesser attention in these series of the endangered, birds (Avia) are now presented on the following posts. Naturally we've been forced leave out many endangered genera – to name a few of plenty there's fx parrots/macaws, hummingbirds, and Passeriformes (a common and most numerous genera that also contains also various threatened). This selection still makes logical choice since equally large proportion of the Falconiformes (= Birds of prey) also are. Birds often, but Falconiformes especially often appear associated (by humans) for various culturally valued virtue and/or appreciated things (like the hope, freedom, ao). To the contrary they're also historically been some of the most hunted of birds and often intentionally persecuted.

There's closely 300 different species that are usually classed for the raptors, or in the diurnal birds of prey. They inhabit most regions in the world. Usually they eat various smaller bird, mammalians, reptilia, typically also carrion. Some birds can take quite large land animals (like smaller herbivores, in cases). Further, some species like the condors and vultures are specialized to feeding on carcasses. And, there's as well species that hunt on sea lines and coasts eating mostly the larger fish.

From classification Falconiformes are miscellaneous group. Over the world various species inhabit the different regions and some only superficially resemble each other. Many have also especially evolved adaptations to their own ecological ranges. Usually the raptors are classed as one main group of their own, although (at least) some of the vultures nowadays seem believed genetically closer to Ciconiiformes (Storks). The Strigiformes (owls, etc) also noticeably resemble them morphologically, so it feels apparent/supposable them would also be related. However, this now has to suffice from that without any further examinations.

'Ancient memorandum'; The eagles/falcons, of which some species fly high in the zenith of the sky, always have had capabilities to inspire humans imagination and are still in many places held at high cultural esteem. Partly similar vein than the contemplations of past mythological role of the snakes (on our previous post in series), we can also notice the important role birds of prey were given at (some) past cultural heritage/civilizations; The ancient Egyptians, who also fx associated Sacred Ibis to represent an incarnation of one deity(named Thoth), identified falcon for the sun. The worship of the sun had central role in their religious beliefs, and the falcon associated for it was presented;

“...bearing the sun disc on its round head, with the sun's ray's flashing from it's wings representing the sky. Such a powerful creature was therefore, like the bull, appropriated by the Pharaohs. So Horus, falcon god, is represented with a sun-disc or a crown on his head; and the statue of a Pharaoh often has a falcon perched on the back of his neck enfolding his head-dress with its outstretched wings.” (Attenborough 1987, p. 80)

Such important deities as they were, it was at first believed only one animal carrying the 'properties of divinity' on Earth. Later this view changed for belief that all the individuals of the species were considered having fragment from that divinity and believed similarly sacred by some level. Therefore falcons, like the other animals, also were also suitable objects for mummification – with the practice it was believed possible gain favor of the patron god that particular animal represented. In the Egypt exists fx a 'sanctuary' of corridors/tunnels dug in the ground, containing (estimatedly) remains of some 800 000 falcons – along with even more similarly preserved Sacred Ibis – most sealed in the small pottery sarcophagus. Mummified birds were offerings from the devotees of the Thoth and Horus (; However, to ensure that adequate number of birds was obtainable, the populations of birds - falcons namely - are believed been especially captive-raised to fulfil demand.) Only distantly resembling the above presented - but perhaps still little similarly - in the (Christian) medieval times various animals were depicted in allegories from words of the holy text (In medieval bestiaries, sort of illustrated manuscripts which combined classical authors writings and imagined beliefs from animals characteristics, etc) The eagle was seen as parable of resurrection, so it was depicted somewhat resembling the (nowadays) more common and renown Phoenix-myth: When the eagle grew old it flew close to the sun and then dived for earth (into spring of fresh water) for to emerge from there rejuvenated.(Attenborough 1987, p. 80-3; 144-5)

Much from these medieval beliefs, as well as from the ancient Egyptians (perhaps) more practical relationship for the religions, most palpable survive in paintings and other pictorial cultural heritage left after. Perhaps there's some additional similarity, too. The birds as allegories for eternal life may probably also have something to do with their most characteristical feature - Birds have wings and flying itself is enthusiastic capability and unattainable to man by physical means.

From this particular species presented in this text (Harpy Eagle) we at least learn it having received the English naming from yet another past religion (and source for many popular myths still reused on our times); Harpyas originally were winged wind-spirits at the Greek mythology. They were considered vicious, bird-bodied female creatures, usually presented as personifications from destructive natures of the wind (Carl Barks drawn characters at story 'Golden Fleecing', from 1950s, contains rather 'tame' depiction of the Harpyas, since they appear lot less horrifying and vengeful from description - But it's pretty funny interpretations, actually.) On more general level there's of course plentiful associations from birds-of-prey as mythical creatures, deities, ao (in various cultures). Still today one doesn't particularly need to look for their many representations - These are even more common than could be hoped foron fx emblems, on heraldry, coins, etc.

'Birds-of-prey, birds of hope' Even with all the above described valued associations, the large birds of prey also have always raised ambivalent feeling. Many are carrion eaters and not favored therefore. Often they are also been seen as potential threat for the herds (/cattles) maintained by humans and as result killed by fx farmers. Not to mention the hunting for sports, which especially in the past, is known been main cause for population reductions concerning several falcons. Deliberate shooting in places still makes a most typical threat.

From the Red Kite(Milvus milvus) the Beer-morris book (2005) mentions that it literally became 'shot down from the skies' during the 18^th and 19^th century, accompanying the fire-arms slow but steady increase (decline also followed the reduction on it's prey items). For the birds luck, they were able to retreat for moors and mountains, where there still was peaceful nesting places. Since the early 20^th century, helped by conservation efforts began it's recovery and nowadays bird has relatively widespread ranges. It's mentioned re-introduced to several places on the British Islands from juveniles taken of continental populations. Considered a conservation success nowadays, though the population increase appears slow and the birds are mentioned still vulnerable to various threat (like the poison baits intended for other animals, rodenticides, ao).

More recent times have brought additional/different threats to raptor species. Some decades ago, the Sea Eagles (gen. Halietus) were in noticeable reduction – or, even found locally extinct on some European countries - and after that been only on slow (since 1980s) recovery . Main reason was exposure for DDT, earlier widely used as pesticides. It gathers for birds organic systems and was also found disturbing their reproduction. Similarly, the Ospreys (like the Red Kites they also were earlier commonly persecuted), suffered largely from the pesticides use in the past decades - on 1950/60s, so one may wonder whether the reason in that case as well was the DDT(?) Osprey's still appear on quite large ranges and have retained rather 'secure' by populations. They also eat mainly the fish. From various other raptors fx Peregrine falcons are mentioned been similarly affected from DDT-usage. (Also, had large effect in the population collapses of the European otters. Nowadays those are said to been recovering, though probably still are locally decreased and even extinct of some populations.)

From (some other larger raptors), Steller's Sea Eagle (Halietus pelag., VU), inhabiting the Kamchatkan ranges, is mentioned to have suffered/suffering from (petrochemical) pollution and reduction/overfishing of its prey (salmon, probably). Of the European birds, earlier the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti, EN) also was becoming alarmingly scarce - it was found almost extinct at the 1960s. Nowadays, been legally protected for some time and increasing at the conservation areas appears probably somewhat better. Reasons for it's slow slow recovery include some of the typical to other raptors as well; habitat loss, reduction in prey animals, eagles having died from eating carcasses of game animals at poison traps, also (mostly the juvenile) occasionally flying for electric power-lines.

Especially for pelagic species most common threat is the disappearance of the habitat. The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga efferyi, CR) was found under similar endangerment (from the forest destruction as well as the shooting) already some decades ago. As large species – the largest eagle in the world – it also breeds slowly. Rather different example, perhaps, the Galapagos falcon (Buteo Galapagoensis, VU) also has was largely hunted in the past, but it's recovery mostly is mentioned have resulted from eradication of the non-native animals (goats) which had changed original ecology at it's living islands.

People more often notice the impressive eagles and hawks, but also the usually disliked carcass-eaters may have even more important tasks in the nature. Asian vultures are mentioned also (quite recently) having underwent alarmingly fast declines. They (Gyps bengalensis, G.tenuirostris, G. Indicus) largely suffered from use of the Diplofenac, veterinary medicine used in the treatment of domesticated animals. Vultures appear highly susceptible for Diplofenac. As regular eaters of animal carcasses (of which some treated with the medicine) the vultures populations crashed. The populations of the Red-headed Vulture(Sarcogyps calvus, CR) are mentioned been affected only later quite similarly, supposed reason being that the competitive larger Gyps species earlier still were numerous enough to exclude them from most carcasses treated with the medicine.

Additionally, many eagles and falcons suffer from the illegal collecting of their eggs. Yet another typical human created threat is the capture for trade; concerns fx some Asian desert hawks sold to the Middle-East market. And, more generally there's probably many endangered smaller birds-of-prey (like buzzards, kites, etc) in addition to the better known large ones. But it's also of course so that for the different species there's usually particular things that affect in any singular case.

However – may also be a false supposition of mine – but apparently not any continental bird of prey wasn't found extinct in during the 20^th century (the pelagic species are usually most vulnerable since they have more limited ranges). Much of that probably also is result of their conservation and protection having emerged by largest part during the same century. And, generally the larger change in attitudes has probably had some effect on that too.

Sometimes, the predatory birds (falconiformes) also have been capable to 'miraculous' recoveries from the brink of extinction. Famous example of such, Mauritius Kestrel (Falco Punctatus, VU), is said to have largely suffered from its habitats (of the suitable forestries) destruction and finally was reduced to a populations of just two breeding pairs in the 1970s, but yet it didn't die out (An unusual exception...). More later it's been recovered to somewhat 'safe' levels. Little similar case perhaps, the Californian Condor (G. Californiacus, CR), also was close the fate of total disappearance – it was extinct in the wild - but after had been bred and increased in captivity, it appears not such endangered and slowly increasing nowadays (though still largely conservation dependent).

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Harpya is a large eagle - only second in size for the Philippine – but in spite of that wonderfully adapted for it's forest environment. The bird occurs mainly at the uninterrupted lowland forests. It can be seen high over the forest cover, or as well in agile flight between topmost tree peaks and between the twigs. They rarely appear to fly over open area. Harpyas predate larger animals they find at the forest, the sloths and monkeys mentioned probably forming main part of its prey. But, can use as well fx agoutis, armadillos, deer, and some large birds (Macaws, fx), large lizards, snakes occasionally (Harpia Harpyja; GRIN database sheet, [2009]).

Although, the Harpyas also remain less better known of the eagles in general. It's ecology fx is far less studied than of some other diurnal raptors, since its often difficult even to follow the bird in such difficult environment. In fact, it was stated somewhere that few decades past it's nesting still wasn't known much at all. (Nowadays the research data probably isn't that limited, fx the mentioned GRIN-database listing of research articles on Harpya eagle provided some 78 entries.)

Contrary to some other comparable endangered birds of prey (like many of the presented at preceding paragraphs) Harpyas still inhabit very large range all in all, from the northern Argentina to the Central America. Nevertheless, it is also considered locally extinct in parts of its former range and at least earlier was on general decline. Harpyas reproduce relative slow like most large bird, and lay 1-2 egg at the time(from which only one of the hatching survives). Trophy shooting mentioned as common threat. Another appears the hunt of its prey animal by humans. Both often occur along with the deforestation development which is viewed bit more precisely at following paragraphs.

In general, it's (probably) considered still quite common but sparsely distributed in the forests. (According the GRIN-database the population estimates on its range rely mainly on assumption that a large Harpy eagle population still remains at Amazon forests.) It is also been nowadays been re-introduced on parts of the former range. Somewhat conclusively seems it stated that although the bird still is '...reasonably common in the Amazonian forests of Brazil and Peru, it will only survive in the long term if the escalating forest destruction in the region is brought under control' (Species Fact Sheet, Birdlife international).

(Since the pic at begins of text likely presents captived individual, see for pics of the bird fx on its page at Arkive)

'Teeming with life – Threatened from devastation of the forests'; Like is well-known the rain forests are most biodiversity rich areas of the world (ao, they contain about some 25 per cent of the terrestrial species; amphibian, bird, mammalians, along that also various plants, trees, etc). This is not just from the warmer tropics appearing 'natural Edens' for animals but for some degree also since there the larger forests still (until recently) have remained largely untouched from modern developments. Not the less importantly, the rain forest are probably among the oldest land ecosystems in the world (the older ecosystem is, more it usually also contains different species).

So, it's no surprising that concern from the fate of forests has emerged on more recent times. Deforestation is nowadays commonly seen as one of the most worrisome developments (discussed in the climatic talks, as well as otherways noticed). Yet, it also often feels the least visible, somehow. The more recently emerged anxiety perhaps still overshadows the thing that not many year ago the tropical forests going for plywoods and their exceptional tree species demolished by alarming rate wasn't generally that much noticed at all (or thought as considerable aspect to worry about). At least didn't that much reach the attention or concern of the common consumer (like me and you, perhaps). Nowadays there's likely lot more discussion of the various aspects related; like the deforestation threat, sustainable forestry, REDD, and other such things.

One who cares to read and has time (fx from the links below) notices also the usual aspects/developments that tropical deforestation often appears joined with; Such include fx questions from the land rights, the illegal logging, diminishing in the highly valued tree species (mahogany, teak, ao), large-scale acquisition of lands by foreign nations/corporations, degradation of the forests/soil, conflicts that often emerge resulting from violations of environmental laws or the peoples rights, evictions of groups of people from their traditional livings areas, etc. Feels like the list could contain far more things, but we'll leave that for anyones own interest to look for.

Largest part of the deforestation no doubt takes place on tropical region. Like fx in the Brazil, the country with notably largest deforestations rates in the world for some decades. (See fx map from the past deforestation in the Amazon regions that show the cleared areas until recently; also separately presents continued deforestation between 1998-2006). The process has more recently - since the 1990s at least - been driven by clearance of land for cattle and ranches (comprises about 70 per cent of the cleared land). However, it's also fx said that Brazil could halt the deforestation in about a decade, around 2020 appears stated. There's also large established reserves by Brazil state for the indigenous groups on Brazilian Amazon. Large part of the indigenous people in Brazil still live on those areas which also are known having reducing effect for the deforestation, fx, As well with other protected areas these are also known to diminish the effects from destructive forest fires spreading (which often occur on seasons) - like presented at some researches (View the mentioned study on sources for more precise on that).

By no means appears Brazilian Amazon the only tropical region affected by aforementioned developments, even though – along with the Indonesia – it has for some decades been the country with most concentrated deforestation. Yet, theres as well many other places whose indigenous peoples (ie 'people with the least carbon footprint' in the world – if to use that popular and fashionable term of our times) are been depressed from similar developments for decades. Many are forest people and many have been driven of their lands following the forest clearance by corporations/governments. Often this has also resulted for conflicts and been joined with the caused environmental damage, of which some past examples seems combined in this story.

(Only mentioning this very briefly,) but contrary for the eastern part of Amazon, it's also said that western part still remains generally less affected from modern developments. The eastern part is fx noticed probably lot more vulnerable to the forest fires and other climatic threat on future decades. Western Amazon is also biologically most flourishing area on Amazon basin. Yet, fx illegal loggings take place (Actually it was on someplace said that illegally cleared forest makes largest part of the deforestation on Amazon). As well, there's been other developments like the oil, several companies have projects on area. One who wish can view the research (Finer-Jenkins-etc., 2008) listed on sources, which discusses the former and planned oil projects on the western Amazon. Notices also roadless extraction as alternative for the past developments (Probably, nowadays many would rather not see the extraction to take place at all.) But, if wish to have better picture from most other aspects in that an interested probably needs also check other relevant information. (And more profoundly than we've done for the purposes of this text.)

There's various different parts in the Amazon forests and particular tree and plant species more typical for certain regions. The main rivers crossing the forest divide it for some ways different ecological areas. There's also various habitats on different level/heights at the rain forest eco-system; or, more precisely each level on tree cover each contains a variety of arboreal species and appears a smaller habitat of its own. Different animals live on grounds than on the trees and there's species that rarely – if ever – come for the grounds, fx. Naturally there's interchange between levels. Some parts of these 'ecologic chains' are little better known, some less well and the upper forest cover is mentioned the least known/studied. Although, it is not too unusual either that a new species is found from among the ones inhabiting ground-levels.

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Also appears researched that on it's early beginnings (supposedly on Paleocene period, ca 65-55 million years ago) the variety of forest plants (including trees and the flora) already contained much of the still dominating forms like fx the legumes, etc. The current plant diversity actually is said likely appearing nowadays somewhat more multiform and varied than what existed in those days - Possible explanations presented are that perhaps the forest was at that time only on beginning of its formation. Or, alternative explanation given assumes forest species on early Paleocene perhaps been on recovery from former extinction event (having taken place in the preceding geological period, at the end of the Mesozoic era) (More of that in article refered on sources)

Whatever the most influential reasons affecting on that, the Paleocene climates are known have been considerable warmer and moisture. This contained some of the most rapid warming during past ages - rapid on climatological criterias since it's estimated to have lasted some 20000 years and later was followed by millions of years with more gradual and slower warming. The warming increased moisture which transferred for poles where temperatures probably remained over 10 degrees (Celsius) regular. The so called Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) is believed have caused other climatic processes and effects on the pole regions, like warming of Arctic Oceans, changes in the Ocean circulations, etc. The main reasons leading for the event probably are not yet too precisely known. But interestingly it's during that same period (Paleocene), and despite the mentioned 'thermal peaks' in climatic history (ie PETM), when began the influential growth and evolutionary success of the mammalian order (the larger reptilians had well before disappeared, but many other terrestrial species in general also are believed have flourished.) On beginnings of the period world was scarce of large terrestrial animals, but relatively soon - during millions of years, of course - the earliest insectivorous mammalians had diversified for a wide variety of medium-sized and even for some larger genera. (They still were evolutionary archaic compared to their 'modern' descendants, but until end of the period had conquered most ecological tasks and places in nature. From the other animals fx the land turtles are mentioned appearing on Paleocene fossil record more numerous and richer of genera than at any period later.)

All which took place, ie things presented on preceding paragraph, happened on rather different world than current one. During those warmer climates the forests fx are mentioned have ranged as far north as the Ellesmere islands, today part of northern Canada (close the Arctic). Elsewhere the later withdrawal of the ocean may have caused changes on coastlines of continents, ao. The European part of Eurasia at beginning of Paleocene fx was only on it's formation; It was covered with shallow seas and only around the end of period these seas began to give away for emerging archipelago of lands. Land bridges existed as well. One such still joined the North America and Eurasia, also permitting various species interchange in between them. Subtropics appeared at least all the way to northern parts of these continents. And, the South America and Australia were still joined via Antarctic land bridge.

Having not too much particular knowledge from any of that, I actually think of it kind of an dream age (probably seen that someplace mentioned or compared for). Can be also interpreted as alternative statement for the 'unknown', because Paleocene appears likely the least known period of the mammalian ages – it's also most distant by passed time and as well the known fossil record is of little and scarce. Most interesting, perhaps, is all what this leaves open for speculations especially about the early emergence of the modern (natural) world.

In addition, Paleocene also is mentioned as first period from which some animals (known as Plesiadapiforms) distantly resembling the current primates are found. - Meaning practically very distant, very archaic forms and not the real primates even; In fact, all of the mammalian species known from the period are considered archaic compared to the later evolved 'modern' genera. As well interesting, it's mentioned that of the current placental mammals only the hedgehogs and armadillos belong for families which were on existence already at such distant times – most other early genera having gone extinct well before the current times. Obviously also the above mentioned have a lot changed in during times and current species differ a lot from their distant ancestors, but indeed both do seem quite ancient of looks. (Even, that there's various other species that also do) ...Anyway, the evolution of the earliest ancestral forms of primates also was well on its way already at Paleocene. Occasionally a new knowledge of that appears, and isn't that difficult to think such process having taken it's 'first steps' even before. Still a debated subject (it's said) and after all it was that far ago, over 50 Million years in the past... (But check the article of the Paleocene plesiadapiformes at the sources if wish read more of it).

As well (in this context) is also worth noticing the South America's forests containing plenty other evolutionary distant mammalians. There still exists some apparently very old marsupial genera. Although most South American marsupials were later displaced from the way of arriving and nowadays more widespread placental mammals, some groups of early South American marsupial genera still remain. (On the North American part marsupials originally went extinct already before the early Paleocene). As well, on South Americas there's some almost as distant placental mammals, the Edentates (or, more correctly nowadays called as the Xenarthra. They are mentioned being a surprisingly diversified group that supposedly evolved as the early branching on mammalian evolution. Xenarthans have some features typical for them, like the formations on their lumbar vertebrae (whatever especially, also seems mentioned as the Xenarthan processes...) The extant species in group consists of the anteaters, tree sloths and – armadillos.)

Conclusively. Most in the above presented only tells from the great continuation in the Amazon eco-system from since and throughout the past times. Obviously it's not very difficult to think good reasons why the (rain) forest should be preserved from the rapid changes of the modern times. There's various reasons it been seen that important; Some refer for the (global) climatic reasons, some for that remarkable rich animal life and flora. Biologists probably think them as ultimate 'havens' of uncomparable diversity and preserved genetic variety. Some mention the importance of the past cultural heritage, etc, largely elsewhere been lost/neglected. But in any case, it's difficult feel convinced from the future preservation of that great variety of life (like the Amazon), unless it's protection is based on acknownledging the value in that variety itself, and most precisely on that. At least as much important to notice - sometimes said and more typically the case - that the natural resources from the rain forest more often are been stolen.

All in all, this text now seems been comprised of quite discrete aspects/interests. And maybe their not joining very apparently together, even. Each of the singular aspects (like fx the larger raptors, those distant evolutionary periods, the deforestation; any could be presented with more particular look by themselves). But, maybe it's only logical this part forming such a mess of topics and, actually it gathers together separate view-points from which basis more information can be searched.

In overall (as some excuse for most of this appearing such fragmented), it is at least so that selecting a bird species for this is apt choice because the South American rain forests particularly are known of their great numbers of birds. A mammalian would have appeared a more exceptional selection, although the above refered past evolutionary histories mostly were focused on those. Somewhat noticeable too that the Harpya eagle only appears a single example, even as such impressive top level predator it is. There's also other large predative birds in rain forests and any could have made equally suitable selection (In fact the birds appear mentioned so numerous since various species most effectively rely on different resources available on forest.) And, as well could actually been selected any other unique animal from that spectacular wildlife.

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Main sources and co-reading:

Birds:

Arkive (pages on Osprey, Red kite and Red-Headed Vulture)

Attenborough, D., 1987, First Eden. Mediterranean world and the man.

Beer-Morris, 2005, Encyclopedia of Endangered Animals. Grange books.

BirdLife International. Species Factsheet: Harpia harpyja. [2009] ;

Birdlife International. “Manifesto on diplofenac and vulture conservation”.

(See from http://www.birdlife.org)

GRIM (Global Raptor Information Network). Database sheet from Harpy Eagle. Harpia Harpya.[2009]

(http://www.globalraptors.org)

Amazon / Paleocene-Eocene:

Betts, R.A. (et al), 2004, “The role of ecosystem atmosphere interactions in simulated Amazonian precipitation decrease and forest dieback under global climate warming.” Theoretical and Applied Climatology 78; 157-175.

(Obviously these climatic models have been further researched and developed nowadays...)

Finer M, Jenkins CN, Pimm SL, Keane B, Ross C (2008) Oil and Gas Projects in the Western Amazon: Threats to Wilderness, Biodiversity, and Indigenous Peoples. PLoS ONE 3(8): e2932. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002932

Gamlin – Rohan, 1996, Mysteries of the Rain Forest.

“Present day tropics plant survived in warmer, wetter tropics 58 million year ago”. Mongabay.com

“Primate-like mammals: A stunning diversity at the tree tops” (At ; http://www.paleocene-mammals.de ) (Also can view the other articles on the site from Paleocene mammalians)

“Reserves Found To Be 'Effective Tool' For Reducing Fires In Brazilian Rainforests”. ScienceDaily (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090407223636.htm)

...Or, instead see the actual study referred in that:

Adeney et al. Reserves Protect against Deforestation Fires in the Amazon. PLoS ONE, 2009; 4 (4): e5014 DOI:

(http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0005014)

Wing-Harrington-Smith (et al.), "Trancient floral change and the rapid global warming at the Paleocene-Eocene Boundary"Science 11 Nov 2005: 993-996

Harrington, G. J; Jaramillo, C., 2007, “Paratropical floral extinction in the late Paleocene-Early Eocene. Journal of the Geological Society 164 (2): 323-332. (Probably largely of similar aspects...)

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