Golden eagle fledgling is conservation first
Princeling has been fitted with a satellite tag so the team can follow his progress.
A Scottish conservation charity has marked a milestone, as it welcomed its first golden eagle chick to fledge from the nest of a translocated parent bird.
The hatching of Princeling, named by renowned broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, proves that translocated golden eagles can integrate with local populations.
The eaglet’s mother, Emma, was first translocated to Scotland in 2021 by Restoring Upland Nature (RUN), formerly the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. She mated with Keith, a locally fledged golden eagle from Galloway.
Princeling hatched in spring, in the translocated golden eagle’s nest near the town of Moffat.
Princeling’s name, as chosen by Sir David Attenborough, symbolises the project’s goal of restoring the population of golden eagles. The bird is often referred to as the ‘King of the Skies’.
The chick’s fledging now brings the number of golden eagles in southern Scotland to more than 50. This is the highest number of golden eagles seen in the region for three centuries.
There has also been reports of translocated eagles exploring habitats in northern England, which has had no resident golden eagles since 2016.
The project has received veterinary support from conservation experts at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, who also participate in the project’s scientific advisory panel. It has also involved partnership between conservationists, private landowners and the Scottish Government.
Princeling has now been fitted with a satellite tag, which will enable the project to collect details on his range, survival and health.
Cat Barlow, CEO of RUN, said: “Seeing Princeling thrive in the south of Scotland highlights that, where there are healthy ecosystems and a low risk of persecution, translocated eagles can integrate well into native populations to breed successfully.
“This brings renewed hope to our ambition to reverse biodiversity decline and ensure current and future generations across the UK.”
Sir David Attenborough added: “Many congratulations to all those in Restoring Upland Nature who have brought about the fledging of a young golden eagle.”
Image © Restoring Upland Nature (RUN)
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