Austria records 123 white-tailed eagle pairs

Austria has recorded 123 territorial white-tailed eagle pairs, the highest number since the species returned to the country about 25 years ago, ORF reported. The WWF recorded 82 pairs that had demonstrably bred and 41 others showing territorial behaviour without confirmed breeding.

The WWF attributed the increase to long-running conservation measures. “The new record shows how important consistent protection measures are,” said Christian Pichler, the organisation’s species conservation expert.

However, the species remains threatened by illegal shooting, poisoning and increasingly by collisions. The WWF is calling for stronger protection measures, particularly against wildlife crime and to safeguard suitable habitats.

Waldviertel holds half of breeding population

Lower Austria is home to the largest concentration of white-tailed eagles. The Waldviertel region has become Austria’s most important white-tailed eagle area, according to the WWF, with 67 pairs recorded, including 38 breeding pairs. About half of Austria’s breeding population is found there.

The region has an average of about 1.5 breeding pairs per 100 square kilometres, while some areas have up to seven breeding pairs per 100 square kilometres. Other populations are found in the Danube floodplains west of Vienna, the Weinviertel, the March-Thaya floodplains, the Industrieviertel and Burgenland. Numbers are also rising in Styria and Upper Austria.

Growth continues in later-settled regions

The count showed different trends across Austria. In regions recolonised earlier, including Burgenland and the March-Thaya and Danube floodplains, many territories are already occupied. Population growth is slowing there and gradually approaching natural limits.

Numbers are still increasing more strongly in regions settled later, including Styria, Upper Austria and the Weinviertel. “With the current population of 123 white-tailed eagle pairs, the upper limit is probably not yet reached,” Pichler said.

Further growth will also depend on whether existing threats can be effectively eliminated. Numerous volunteers helped conduct the count, which forms part of the current study Population Dynamics of the White-tailed Eagle.