Wildlife

Golden Eagle Conservation in Scotland

Golden eagles are iconic Scottish raptors with a slow reproductive rate and long-running conflict with game management interests.

Key Facts

Scotland hosts around 500 pairs of golden eagles, most of the UK population
Golden eagles are still illegally persecuted on some grouse moors
They require vast home ranges of up to 200 square kilometres
Satellite tagging has revealed illegal killing patterns on some estates
Breeding success is closely linked to prey availability and persecution levels

Welfare Considerations

Illegal persecution causes direct suffering and population-level harm to golden eagles. Improved enforcement, satellite monitoring, and land management reform are essential for their welfare and survival.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns against illegal raptor persecution
Advocate for stronger penalties for wildlife crime involving golden eagles
Report suspicious raptor disappearances or suspicious satellite tag failures
Choose venison and game products from estates committed to raptor conservation
Support rewilding initiatives that restore golden eagle habitat