The welfare challenges and conservation successes of golden eagles in Scotland and the UK.
Golden eagle welfare is significantly threatened by deliberate human persecution. Illegal poisoning using banned substances (particularly carbofuran and alphachloralose) continues to kill eagles on and around driven grouse moors. The suffering of a poisoned eagle — convulsions, paralysis, and prolonged death — represents a severe welfare concern. Many deaths go undetected, concealing the true scale of persecution.
Lead poisoning from ingested shot in deer carcasses and gut piles is a chronic welfare issue. Eagles consume significant quantities of offal and carcasses containing lead rifle bullet fragments. Sublethal lead accumulation impairs neurological function, reduces reproductive success, and causes chronic illness before eventual death from lead toxicity.
Legal protection has allowed population recovery where persecution is absent. The Tayside and Grampian populations have expanded where habitat is suitable. Southern Scotland reintroduction, using birds from Sweden and other European populations, is establishing a breeding population in the uplands where the species was historically common.