Golden eagle persecution preventing the bird’s recovery in England and Scotland

July 2008. The Golden Eagle Framework, published by Scottish Natural Heritage, shows that persecution of Golden eagles is halting their recovery in Scotland and is thwarting the bird's return to northern England.

There are 440 known breeding pairs of Golden eagle in Scotland. Golden eagles haven't nested successfully in England since 1996; there is one lone male golden eagle in the Lake District, and, until persecution halts in Scotland, particularly on grouse moors, there is little chance of the bird's re-establishment in England.
 

Distribution map
Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB's Conservation Director, said: "The distribution map of ‘missing' golden eagles is remarkably similar to a map of driven grouse moors in Scotland.

"The Golden Eagle Framework is a compelling report and provides strong evidence that illegal persecution of Golden eagles has been the major factor in limiting both their recovery and spread across what should be prime available habitat in some parts of Scotland. Its publication is very welcome, not least because it sets out a comprehensive "roadmap" for the future conservation of this iconic species.

South and east Scotland is persecution hotspot.
"Whilst there are 440 breeding pairs of golden eagles in Scotland, the report highlights that the health of this population is fragile. Combating human killing of Golden eagles, particularly on driven grouse moors in the south and east of Scotland, as well as improving food availability through better habitat management in the west of the country, are identified as the key constraints."