The days of the majestic golden eagle may well be numbered. A report by the Scottish Natural Heritage, a Government agency, states that the population of this majestic bird of prey is on the decline in most parts of Scotland.
The golden eagle is the second largest bird of prey in Scotland after the sea eagle and is protected by law. However, only three out of 16 regions in Scotland considered in the report had stable, or expanding populations of the Golden eagle. In the remaining areas, the population of golden eagles was rapidly declining even though the habitat of the regions was suited to the bird. The central and eastern Highlands, are the worst affected where the existing populations of eagles is in decline.
The main reason cited for the decline of the golden eagles is the use of illegal poisoned baits. The report gives proof that the illegal use of poisoned baits continues to blight Scotland. This is a deeply disturbing report because the golden eagle is one of the top predators of the Scottish moorlands and a decline in their number is bound to have serious implication on the ecological balance of the region.
via: bbc