Wildlife

Wild Golden Eagle Scotland Welfare

Golden eagles face ongoing welfare threats from illegal persecution and disturbance in Scotland despite being one of the country's most iconic species.

Key Facts

Scotland holds around 500 golden eagle territories, the majority of the UK population
Illegal persecution including poisoning and nest disturbance is the primary welfare threat
Satellite tracking has documented disappearances in areas with intensive grouse management
Breeding success varies significantly between persecution-free and managed areas
Legal protection is strong but enforcement resource is limited

Welfare Considerations

Golden eagle welfare is fundamentally threatened by illegal persecution. Poisoning causes slow, painful death; nest destruction causes chick starvation. Despite strong legal protection, enforcement is inadequate. Satellite tracking programs that document suspicious disappearances provide critical evidence supporting prosecution.

What You Can Do

Support raptor persecution investigation and prosecution campaigns
Report suspected eagle persecution to RSPB investigations or police
Advocate for satellite monitoring programs to document and deter persecution