Golden Eagle is a huge bird of prey, the second largest in the UK. It has broad wings, much longer than a Buzzard, with distinct “fingered” tips.
Formerly widespread in the UK and Ireland, but persecution restricted them almost entirely to the Scottish Highlands. The species was also badly affected by organochlorine pesticide poisoning in the 1960s. The last national survey showed the population is recovering slowly, with just over 500 pairs. The tiny Scottish Borders population has been reinforced through the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.
Golden Eagle is on the Scottish Biodiversity List.
Photos: © Simon Jones
Illustrations: Mike Langman for rspb-images.com
Action Needed
We need to ensure that Police Scotland are resourced to investigate all alleged cases of wildlife crime, and that the grouse moor licensing scheme works correctly and provides an effective deterrent against wildlife crime.
The RSPB publishes an annual Birdcrime report detailing birds of prey which have disappeared or been found dead. This research depends on satellite tagging of birds, some of which has been funded through the Nature Restoration Fund, and monitoring by volunteer raptor monitors through the Scottish Raptor Study Group. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act said that the Scottish Government must report on the population size and range of Golden Eagles, but funding for this is an issue. We also need continued support for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.
Threats
Human persecution, usually associated with grouse moors, continues to be a concern for this species, including cases which have been reported since the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act grouse moor licensing provisions came into effect. It is illegal to kill birds of prey.
MSP Nature Champion
Maree Todd
Member for: Highlands and Islands
Region: Highlands and Islands
Party: Scottish National Party
