Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 10 hrs ago
Proposed Welsh eagle releases raise concerns for seabird colonies
Conservationists say white-tailed eagles could threaten seabird colonies if more birds are released in Wales.
The concern centres on seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes, including those on the islands of Skomer and Skokholm.
White-tailed eagles were driven to extinction in Britain in 1918, and reintroductions have since restored them in parts of Scotland and England.
A proposal would release up to 60 eagles in Gwent, alongside 20 young birds already due to be released on Exmoor over the next three years.
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales opposes the Gwent plan, citing risks to seabirds that are already under pressure, while Gwent Wildlife Trust supports it.
The group leading the Gwent plan says it expects no major effect on any single species and argues eagles could help restore balanced ecosystems.
It plans to phase the releases and aims to establish seven to nine breeding pairs in 10 years.
Plans to release up to 60 white-tailed eagles in Gwent, south Wales, have prompted warnings that the birds could harm seabird colonies.
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales opposes the plan, citing risks to seabirds on Skomer and Skokholm.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, which is leading the proposed reintroduction, says risks should be assessed and balanced against potential benefits.
The plan is dividing conservationists as eagles are also due to be released on Exmoor over the next three years.
White-tailed eagles were driven to extinction in Britain in 1918 and have since been reintroduced in Scotland and on the Isle of Wight.
- Who
- The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is leading the proposed Gwent reintroduction. The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales opposes it.
- What
- A proposal to release up to 60 white-tailed eagles in Gwent has raised concerns about impacts on seabirds.
- When
- The proposal is under discussion. Releases of 20 young eagles on Exmoor are planned over the next three years.
- Where
- Gwent, south Wales, with concerns focused on seabird colonies on Skomer and Skokholm.
- Why
- Opponents say eagles could disturb or displace cliff-nesting seabirds. Supporters say risks should be assessed alongside potential conservation benefits.
Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Seabird risk
Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales
The trust says disturbance and displacement by eagles could significantly affect breeding seabirds on Skomer and Skokholm.
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
The trust says it does not expect the phased plan to significantly reduce or affect any single species population.
Approach
Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales
The trust says it has an obligation to protect the seabirds on the islands it manages.
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
The trust says risks should be carefully evaluated using robust evidence and balanced against potential opportunities.
White-tailed eagles were driven to extinction in Britain.
Chicks brought from Norway began a white-tailed eagle reintroduction in Scotland.
Reintroductions of white-tailed eagles began on the Isle of Wight.
The first English-born wild white-tailed eagle fledged from a nest in East Sussex.
Twenty young eagles are due to be released on Exmoor.
An eagle from the Exmoor release was sighted over Skomer in south Wales.
- Gwent proposal
- Up to 60 white-tailed eagles
- Exmoor releases
- 20 young birds over the next three years
- Gwent target
- Seven to nine breeding pairs over 10 years
- Eagle diet study
- Conservation-concern birds accounted for approximately 1% of identified prey
- Seabird decline
- British seabird populations fell by a fifth over the last five years
1 source
What people are saying
We’re increasingly alarmed about the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles across the UK as more evidence comes to light of their impact on cliff-nesting seabirds.
Amidst all the excitement and enthusiasm for reintroducing white-tailed eagles, the fact that these birds will probably destroy our seabird colonies seems to have been completely overlooked
Conservation action has and always will carry an element of risk.
With careful phasing, we aim to establish seven to nine breeding pairs of white-tailed eagles over the next 10 years.