Golden eagles are iconic Scottish raptors that face ongoing persecution on grouse moors and disturbance at nest sites, limiting population recovery in productive habitats.
Individual golden eagles that are illegally killed or poisoned experience significant welfare harm. Lead poisoning from ingesting shot game carcasses is a particularly serious welfare concern, causing neurological symptoms and slow death. Disturbance at nest sites during breeding causes chick and egg loss. The persistence of illegal persecution represents a profound failure to respect the welfare and legal protection of a charismatic native raptor.