Golden eagles are iconic Scottish raptors whose conservation is threatened by illegal persecution, land management practices, and the challenge of expanding into new territories.
Golden eagles occupy large home ranges and depend on open moorland for hunting. Their welfare is directly compromised by poisoning, trapping, and shooting, which cause acute suffering and death. Even where direct persecution is avoided, birds face harassment, disturbance, and the challenge of finding adequate prey in landscapes altered by intensive game management. The systematic disappearance of tagged birds in particular areas provides compelling evidence of ongoing illegal killing. Improving golden eagle welfare requires tackling the economic incentives and cultural attitudes that drive persecution.