Wildlife

Wild White-Tailed Eagle Welfare Scotland

White-tailed eagle welfare in Scotland is affected by persecution, power line collision, and lead poisoning from carrion consumption.

Key Facts

Scottish white-tailed eagle population has recovered from zero to over 150 pairs
Lead poisoning from spent ammunition in deer carcasses is a significant adult mortality cause
Power line collision kills juvenile eagles during dispersal from natal territories
Illegal persecution through trapping and poisoning continues despite legal protection
Eagles nesting near tourist viewpoints face disturbance that can cause nest abandonment

Welfare Considerations

White-tailed eagles poisoned by lead from spent ammunition suffer neurological deterioration and death over days to weeks. Power line and persecution-related deaths prevent the population from achieving its full recovery potential.

What You Can Do

Support the campaign for voluntary and mandatory use of non-lead ammunition in stalking
Advocate for power line burial or marking in key eagle dispersal areas
Donate to RSPB programs monitoring white-tailed eagle welfare and advocating for protection