Steppe eagles migrate thousands of kilometres between Central Asian breeding grounds and South Asian wintering areas, facing persecution, poisoning, and electrocution throughout their range.
Eagles that survive electrocution often suffer severe burns, wing amputations, and spinal injuries requiring intensive rehabilitation. Lead-poisoned birds experience neurological damage, inability to fly, and prolonged suffering before death. Pesticide-poisoned eagles found at locust control sites in Central Asia suffer acute toxic deaths. Rehabilitated birds face long confinement with limited flight opportunities before release, with release success rates varying widely.