The Apex Predators of the Sky
The European Nature Trust supports the protection and recovery of Scotland’s native birds of prey. Its high mountains, wild moorlands and remote islands have remained a stronghold for species like the golden eagle and now, white tailed eagles are also making a comeback. Once widely dispersed across the UK, numbers of eagles declined due to persecution and the effects of pesticides such as DDT (now banned), which cause thinning of eggshells..
Eagles are apex predators and, as such, have a role in regulating ecosystems. Golden eagles take a range of prey items, including birds and mammals. Most commonly they feed on medium-sized prey such as rabbits and grouse, but can also take young deer, as well as scavenging on carrion. Pine martens, foxes, stoats and weasels have also been reported as prey items. The eagles keep numbers of these mesopredator numbers in check, helping other species to thrive. As such, the restoration of eagle populations across the UK is essential for the healthy, functional ecosystems we all depend upon.
“Today it is very worrying because we face an ecological crisis, but it’s exciting too. There are suddenly all these people who are saying: ‘let’s restore nature.”
Roy Dennis
Founder, Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation
Support for Conservation of Eagles, with Roy Dennis
The European Nature Trust is contributing to the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation’s work to monitor golden eagles at Alladale Wilderness Reserve and beyond. Before leaving the nest, young eagles are captured, weighed and recorded. Satellite tags are then fitted so more can be learned about their movements as they search for new territories, as well as enabling us to follow their pairing and breeding success. In Scotland, eagles inhabit mountains, high moorlands and remote islands, but before persecution by man would have been much more widely distributed. By studying the behaviour of the birds and keeping an eye on their progress, we can help this iconic species regain its population and distribution across the UK.
Discover more about Roy’s conservation work
