Wildlife

Wild Golden Eagle Scotland Welfare

Golden eagles are apex predators with complex territorial and social needs. Their welfare in Scotland is affected by habitat quality and persecution.

Key Facts

Scotland has approximately 500 golden eagle pairs - about 75% of the UK population
Golden eagles require large territories of 30-200 km2
Illegal persecution including poisoning and nest disturbance continues in some areas
Eagles need undisturbed eyries for successful breeding
Carrion from deer carcasses is an important winter food source

Welfare Considerations

Golden eagles persecuted through poisoning suffer acute toxicological harm. Nest disturbance causes breeding failure and chick abandonment. Eagles in territories with insufficient food in winter face nutritional stress. Effective legal enforcement against persecution and maintenance of quality upland habitat are essential welfare and conservation requirements.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB raptor persecution monitoring and prosecution work
Report suspected raptor persecution to police wildlife crime officers
Donate to golden eagle conservation in Scotland