Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Golden Eagle Food and Prey Welfare

Wild golden eagles require large territories with abundant prey - persecution and prey depletion are the primary welfare and conservation challenges.

Key Facts

Golden eagles need territories of 30-80 km2 depending on prey availability
Mountain hares, red grouse, and rabbits are primary prey in UK uplands
Illegal poisoning and shooting remain significant mortality causes in Scotland
Satellite tagging reveals unexplained disappearances consistent with illegal killing
Prey base recovery through upland restoration directly benefits eagle welfare

Welfare Considerations

Individual golden eagles face real welfare threats from deliberate persecution and reduced prey availability from overmanaged moorland. Legal protection enforcement and upland habitat restoration are both essential for eagle welfare.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor persecution to Police Scotland and the RSPB
Support upland habitat restoration organisations benefiting eagle prey species
Engage with rewilding projects that improve golden eagle habitat quality