Reintroduction of white-tailed eagles puts seabird colonies at risk of wipeout, say experts
Summary
Some ecologists and conservationists warn that reintroducing white-tailed eagles in Wales and England could disturb seabird colonies and threaten breeding populations. The group leading a proposed release in Gwent says the plan will be phased and that available evidence does not suggest it will significantly affect any one species.Key Facts
- Plans propose releasing up to 60 white-tailed eagles in Gwent, south Wales.
- A separate project plans to release 20 young eagles on Exmoor over the next three years.
- The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales opposes the Gwent proposal, citing risks to seabirds on Skomer and Skokholm.
- The Gwent Wildlife Trust supports the proposed reintroduction.
- The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, which is leading the Gwent project, aims to establish seven to nine breeding pairs over 10 years.
- White-tailed eagles eat a varied diet that includes carrion, fish and small mammals.
- A 2020 study of eagles east of the Baltic Sea found that bird species of particular conservation concern in the EU made up about 1% of identified prey.
- The article says British seabird populations fell by a fifth over the previous five years, while seabird populations in south Wales were described as relatively healthy.
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