The causes of mortality for Bonelli’s Eagles in Cyprus (1996-2021)
A recent scientific study investigated the main causes of mortality and injury of Bonelli’s eagles in Cyprus in a 25-year period (1996-2021), the only one species of eagle that nests on the island.
According to the available data, from 1996 till 2021, 64 Bonelli’s eagles were found dead or injured in Cyprus. The main causes were shooting (47%) and poisoning (23%), while collision with power lines and electrocution were responsible for 14% of losses.
The study found out that the shootings mostly occurred during the November-February period (within the hunting season), while the poisoning incidents occurred mainly during the months between January and May. Paphos province had the highest number of incidents, followed by Larnaca and Nicosia. Unfortunately, almost half of the cases involved young birds, indicating that young eagles are particularly vulnerable. Especially for the young Bonelli’s eagles, poisoning and electrocution were the main causes of mortality, while for the adults the main causes of mortality were shooting and poisoning.
Long-living species, such as eagles, reproduce at a low rate and are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. This fact has a huge impact on their population, making careful monitoring and the enforcement of necessary measures very important, in order to minimize the risks they face. The results of this study demonstrate once again the problem of poisoning (use of poison baits) and the problem of energy infrastructure proper siting.
The study was based on data of the Game and Fauna Service and the Veterinary Services of Cyprus, part of which has been obtained in the framework of LIFE Bonelli eastMed Project,
with the contribution of LIFE financial instrument of the European Union.
Please see the relevant scientific publication below:
