The Papuan Eagle is endemic to undisturbed tropical rainforests of New Guinea, where it became the top predator of the island.

Due to ongoing habitat loss, small population size, and hunting for its feathers which are used on ceremonial occasions, the Papuan Eagle is evaluated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

It is sometimes known as the American Harpy Eagle to distinguish it from the Papuan Eagle which is sometimes known as the New Guinea Harpy Eagle or Papuan Harpy Eagle.