Wildlife

White-tailed Eagle Welfare and Reintroduction in England

How the Isle of Wight reintroduction programme is re-establishing white-tailed eagles in England.

Key Facts

White-tailed eagles were reintroduced to the Isle of Wight in 2019 after 240 years of absence
Young birds from Sweden and Norway were translocated and satellite-tagged
The species is now breeding in England for the first time in centuries
Illegal poisoning remains the greatest welfare threat to establishing populations

Welfare Considerations

White-tailed eagle welfare during reintroduction encompasses capture, transport, release, and establishment phases. Welfare protocols for translocation minimise capture stress, use experienced handlers, and provide veterinary assessment pre-release. Post-release satellite monitoring identifies welfare problems rapidly. Illegal poisoning of establishing birds is the most critical welfare and conservation threat.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected poisoning of raptors immediately to the police and RSPB
Support the Isle of Wight and Chilterns white-tailed eagle monitoring programmes
Advocate for strengthened wildlife crime enforcement and sentencing for raptor persecution