In the cradle of the Glenveagh National Park in Co Donegal, at the edge of northwest Ireland, the Golden Eagle Reintroduction Project has been reintroducing these raptors to Ireland since 2001. Donegal was chosen for its suitable habitat, the locals’ love of wildlife and the rapport between the farming community and conservationists. Tourism groups also have an interest as the Eagles may attract tourists. The majority of their potential ranges here are Natura 2000 sites, protected habitats for flora and fauna of European importance. Research indicates that County Donegal could hold 7-10 pairs of Golden Eagles and Ireland may eventually have 50 – 100 pairs.
Ireland currently has 6 breeding birds of prey species, the lowest number in the European Union. Habitat loss, egg collection and persecution (shooting, hunting, poisoning) caused the extinction of White-tailed Eagle, Osprey, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier and Goshawk since the 1700s. Golden Eagles became extinct in Ireland in 1910.
These raptors have a 2m wing span, can live for over 20 years and hunt rabbits, hares and other prey over a broad (up to 260 square km) territory. The Irish Farmers Association was consulted on and supported the introduction despite some farmers fearing that the Eagles would predate lambs. Compensation was promised should any such predation be proven.
The project is funded by by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Heritage Council. Dúchas (Ireland’s authority for nature conservation) is also involved.
The reintroduction project meets 53 reintroduction guidelines laid down by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Four to five week old Eaglets are sourced from the Scottish wilds under licence. Sourcing Eaglets has recently become more difficult as recent years have been poor for Golden Eagle breeding in Scotland.
Individual released birds are tracked with radio transmitters and can be identified by a tag on each wing. 46 birds have been released, and at least 26 were known to be alive during 2005. Others may be dead or carry failed radio transmitters. Five territories are now occupied. Out of four pairs two produced clutches of eggs, but none successfully hatched – in some cases because the birds are still young and inexperienced breeders. Enough eagles will be released to ensure a sufficient number survive to form a viable breeding population. This project aims to release enough have a dozen breeding pairs at Glenveagh by 2011.
Keep an eye on the www.goldeneagle.ie website for updates. The latest update is for the spring/summer season 2006.
