The white-tailed eagle has been successfully reintroduced to England and Scotland after centuries of extinction, but individuals face ongoing welfare challenges.
Reintroduced white-tailed eagles face welfare threats from illegal persecution, lead poisoning from ingested shot in carrion, and challenges during territory establishment. Lead poisoning causes neurological symptoms including inability to fly or stand, followed by death — a prolonged and painful process. Satellite-tracked eagles that disappear in suspicious circumstances often indicate illegal killing. Individual welfare of reintroduced eagles is directly affected by the illegal persecution that criminal elements of the rural community perpetuate. Legal protection enforcement and non-toxic ammunition use are critical welfare interventions.