New record year for Spanish Imperial Eagle
April 24th, 2008The Spanish Imperial Eagle is one of the most endangered birds in Europa. In the 1960s the population was below 50 pairs. Due to a lot conservation work in Spain, the population has reached 234 reproductive pairs in 2007 (2 in Portugal, the rest in Spain) according to this report (in Spanish).
The population increase was 17 pairs in 2007 compared to the year before. In 2006 there were 11 new pairs, in 2005 10 and in 2004 9 new pairs.
The highest number of pairs (73) are in Castilla La Mancha. In Extremadura there 49. Other regions with a significant number of pairs are Andalusia and Castilla y Leon.
One of the reasons for the increase in Castilla La Mancha is a reduced mortality through electrocution. During the 1990s the power lines and pylons where modified to reduce raptor mortality. But there are still some cases of eagles getting killed through electrocution every year. Illegal poisoning is also still a threat.
The number of young eagles fledged in 2007 were 242 compared to 294 in 2006 and 221 in 2005.
Despite the increase, the Spanish Imperial Eagle is still a very threatened species that will need a lot of conservation work in the future.
Source:
http://www.ambientum.com/boletino/detalle.asp?noticia=39801
More information about the Spanish Imperial Eagle conservation program by SEO/Birdlife Spain can be found here:
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Mel
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:27 am
It is good to know that conservation efforts can still make a difference
Markus Jais
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Mel,
conservation often works when dedicated people come together to save a species or an important area. I know some people in Spain working for the Spanish Imperial Eagle. They are very active and determined. This always makes feel positive. As long as there are people out there who care about birds, we can protect them.