Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Golden Eagle

UK History

The UK population began to decline in the 18th century as a result of severe persecution by sheep farmers, aggravated in the 19th century by shooting by gamekeepers and trophy collectors. The golden eagle was exterminated in England and Wales by 1850, and in Ireland by 1912. Despite severe persecution, it managed to survive in small numbers in Scotland.

The species gradually recovered as legal protection was observed but illegal persecution and egg collecting still happen. Some forty years ago the birds were also affected by toxic chemicals, mainly from sheep dips. The golden eagle population has since slowly recovered in Scotland, although large tracts of its former range are still unoccupied.

UK Status

Population in Scotland presently stable at around 440 pairs. Recent re-establishement programme has taken place returning Golden Eagles to Northern Ireland.

Global Status

Found locally in Europe, Asia & North America.

Golden Eagles have a widespread but discontinuous distribution across much of Europe (8 -10,000 pairs).

Biology

Nest in a traditional eyrie on a cliff ledge or large tree. 2 eggs laid in March but only one chick is typically fledged. Reach sexual maturity at 4 years. Average lifespan is around 15 years. Pair for life. Present in home range all year.

Issues with humans

Although legally protected, golden eagles are still persecuted - often through poisoning - for their predation on lambs and game birds. Egg theft remains a threat which may limit the population in some areas.

Future Outlook

They may spread to other parts of the southern Scotland, expand in northern England and establish as a breeding speciees in Ireland following a reintroduction scheme in Donegal which began in 2001.

Habitat change, especially afforestation and loss of open foraging areas, is a major threat to golden eagles in upland areas, where inappropriately sited windfarms are an added threat.

The golden eagle is included on the Amber List of birds of conservation concern. To safeguard the future of golden eagles in Britain, land use policies for upland areas need to ensure that key feeding and nesting requirements are not compromised.

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