AMBITIOUS PROJECT COULD SEE RETURN OF TWO EAGLE SPECIES TO WELSH SKIES

Set for  return to Welsh countryside? The magnificent white-tailed eagle

RESEARCH being undertaken in Wales could lead to the return of two lost eagle species to the Welsh countryside, potentially bringing both conservation and economic benefits.

As part of pan-European efforts to restore eagles across their historic breeding range, researchers at Cardiff University are investigating whether the modern Welsh landscape has the capacity to support their reintroduction.

Once a common sight in Welsh skies, both the golden and white-tailed eagle were driven to extinction in the country  in the mid-1800s. 

Today, the total European population of both eagle species is relatively small, and numbers are in further decline in many countries, primarily due to human persecution and habitat loss.

While the reintroduction of eagles to Wales is not a new concept, until now there has been no rigorous assessment of whether it might be possible.

Eagle Reintroduction Wales Project researcher Sophie-Lee Williams, of Cardiff University, says: “Wales is home to large expanses of potentially suitable eagle habitat, but, before we begin reintroducing the species, there are many questions we need to answer about the quality of habitat and whether it can sustain eagles.

“Working closely with partners such as the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Wildlife Trust Wales, we are currently carrying out a full feasibility study which will enable us to answer some of these questions and determine whether the Welsh countryside is a suitable location for eagle reintroduction.”

Reintroducing eagles to the Welsh countryside would be an achievement of international conservation importance and, as seen with similar projects elsewhere in the UK and Ireland, it could also bring significant benefits to local communities and regional economies through wildlife tourism.

A reintroduction programme of White-tailed Eagles on the west coast of Scotland attracts an extra 1.4 million visitors to the region every year, generating up to £5-million of annual tourist expenditure on the Isle of Mull, and supporting 110 jobs.

Rewilding projects are often not without controversy - sheep farmers, for instance, might well be concerned at any threat to lambs from eagles.

“The project is in the very early stages of development, and a reintroduction is not likely to happen for some time,” continues Sophie-lee.

“If our landscape research is positive, there will be a significant and strictly regulated licensing and consultation process before eagles are re-introduced, which would enable residents to have their concerns heard and addressed.

“However, if successful, the project could bring far-reaching benefits, helping to restore Wales’ diminished biodiversity, regenerating local economies, and aiding the conservation status of both the golden and white-tailed eagle at a national and international level.”