Welcome to the Eagle Conservation Alliance
This is the homepage of the Eagle Conservation Alliance (ECA), a community of eagle experts around the globe who work to save the world's eagles.
There are more than 70 species of Eagles and they occour on every continent except Antarctica.
Unfortunately many eagle species are endangered. There are many causes for this, the most important being persecution and habitat destruction.
But there is also much hope as many people are working to protect these magnificent birds and the population of some eagles are recovering. Examples are the White-tailed Eagle of Europa and Asia or the Bald Eagle of North America.
Here you will find information about the work of the Eagle Conservation Alliance, like some of the projects our members are working on.
We also have a section with eagle news, an overview of the current status of the world's eagles and much more.
If you are looking for some information that you cannot find here, do not hesitate contacting us.
ECA Formation
From October 24th through 28th 2020, The "FIRST INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP on ex-situ Eagle MANAGEMENT AND Conservation" was hold at the National Parador of Oropesa, Toledo, Spain. The workshop was organized and hosted by the following Institutions:
Aquila Foundation, Fort Worth Zoo, Zoological Society of San Diego, CRC-Smithsonian´s National Zoo, Mimi metro Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo and the Center for Studies on Iberian Raptors, CERI-JCCM.
The aim was to agglutinate individuals and institutions with remarkable interest on ex-situ eagle conservation to identify shared problems, needs and timeline actions, as well as to brainstorm a joined initiative directed to promote the development of self sustaining eagle populations by implementing scientific knowledge, public awareness and by all means ex-situ and in-situ eagle conservation worldwide. To meet this need, 32 specialists representing 10 countries from four continents met in Oropesa, Spain (24-28 October 2006) to discuss issues associated with eagle conservation and to consider and implement a plan for action.
An early accomplishment was identifying the strengths of a consortium. This exercise recognized that a group of like-minded eagle specialists would:
- have vast collective expertise that could add value to worldwide eagle conservation.
- have the capacity of integrating diverse scientific disciplines to benefit wild and captive eagles across mostly unstudied species.
- include holders of many important eagle collections and specimens that are managed to maintain maximum gene diversity (heterozygosity).
- be able to more efficiently generate basic and applied information, along with valuable scholarly knowledge for making critical conservation decisions or actions.
- have experience in setting priorities for conservation action like the Zoo de Beauval.
- be generous and dedicated to sharing information and fostering collaboration.
- have significant experience at building partnerships to improve capacity.
- serve as a public forum for disseminating scientific information as well as raising public awareness.
- would be willing to participate in group specific projects that are branded with the consortium’s name, thereby increasing likelihood of funding and overall success.
- be a reservoir for practical knowledge that could be shared through formal training programs on diverse topics.
ECA would like to acknowlege the following institutions for their unvaluable help in supporting ECA work and iniciatives: The Zoological Society of San Diego, the SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, the Fort Worth Zoo, the CRC Smithsonian's National Zoo and the Aquila Foundation.
ECA MISSION AND STATEMENT
The mission of the ECA is:
An alliance acting to conserve eagles worldwide.
The overall goal is to:
Ensure sustainable populations of eagles worldwide.
The goal will be accomplished by the ECA working to:
- enhance the management of existing populations.
- recover and, when appropriate, reintroduce eagles to nature.
- conduct basic and applied research.
- provide advice and technical support.
- develop and distribute education and awareness materials.
- communicate and share news and information.
- fundraise for priority initiatives.
- build capacity (training) in science and eagle management.
Highlights from the working groups:
- Formation of a working group to create a lay-friendly narrative on the value of eagles and the ECA, including its mission, purpose and priorities – to be used as a brochure and eventually for a website.
- Formation of a working group to create a development strategy that will identify additional individuals with appropriate expertise who are willing to assist with fundraising.
- Formation of a working group on compiling known information on eagle biology in the disciplines of behavior, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, infectious diseases and preventative medicine.
- Decision to create a task force that would have the capacity for dealing with species-specific issues that would define biological uniqueness and continuing education to benefit both ex situ and in situ programs.
- Decision to endorse, support and/or conduct multiple projects, including surveys on species status and specific training needs. Projects are described in the specific section: "Ongoing projects".
Eagle Conservation Projects
So as not to be just another talking shop on eagle conservation, we identified a limited number of activities that the ECA could undertake now to promote eagle conservation. Of course these activities may not be the absolute priorities for eagle conservation today, but they were things we thought we could accomplish with our existing membership and expertise and our limited funding. It was important for us to Do and not just talk about doing.
Initial projects:
- Conservation Risk Assessment of Eagles: Phase I, Serpent Eagles and Hawk Eagles
- Assisted Reproduction Training for Philippine Eagle Management
- Endangered Eagle Egg Incubation Training
- Eagle Husbandry Survey
- Round Table Forum for Strategies for Captive Breeding at the Annual Meeting (no funding needed)
- Comprehensive Compilation of the Scientific Literature and Expertise on Eagle Reproductive Science and Health (no funding needed)
- Prevalence and Morbidity of Trichomonas sp. and Salmonella sp. in Endangered Eagles
- Developing Quantifying and Correlating Factors Influencing Reproductive Success in Imperial Eagles Ex Situ
- Genetic Support System for Captive Breeding: Establishing Genetic Analysis to Identify Variability and Individual Status of Breeding Stock from Threatened Eagle Species
- Population Dynamics and Noninvasive Monitoring of Philippine Eagles In Situ
- Radio-Tracking and Ranging Behavior of the Philippine Eagles In Situ
Conservation Status of the Eagles of the World
For many eagle species we do not know exact population numbers or their current status in the wild. Only for very rare species like the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) or very well studied populations like those of the White-tailed Ealge(Haliaeetus albicilla) in many countries of Europe do we know the exact number of breeding pairs and the current population trends. The following list gives an overview of the current status of the world's 74 eagle species. The table shows the current status of the species as classified by the IUCN (The World Conservation Union). The population numbers are taken from the Global Raptor Information Network. The list was compiled by:
Jemima Parry-Jones MBE
Director
International Centre for Birds of Prey
Little Orchard Farm
Eardisland
Herefordshire HR6 9AS
Phone ++ 44 (0) 1544 388777
Mobile 07871 749250
Email - jpj@icbp.org
Snake Eagles
| Scientific Name | English Name | Estimated Population Size | IUCN Status | Trend | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circaetus gallicus | Short-toed Snake Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Habitat loss, shooting on migration | |
| Circaetus beaudouini | Beaudouin's Snake Eagle | 1001 - 10000 | Data deficient | ||
| Circaetus pectoralis | Black breasted Snake Eagle | 1000 - 10000 (RotW) | LC | Data deficient | |
| Circaetus cinereus | Brown Snake Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Data deficient | |
| Circaetus fasciolatus | Southern Banded Snake Eagle | 1001 - 10000 | NT | UP | Deforestation,human pressure |
| Circaetus cinerascens | Western Banded Snake Eagle | 1001 - 10000 | LC | Deforestation of riverine forest | |
| Terathopius ecaudatus | Bateleur Eagle | 1001 - 10000 (RotW) | LC | Habitat destruction, lack of carrion,nest disturbance,pesticides | |
| Spilornis cheela | Crested Serpent Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 | LC | None at this time | |
| Spilornis elgini | Andaman Serpent Eagle | 1000 - 10000 (RotW) | NT* | Deforestation | |
| Spilornis minimus | Central Nicobar Serpent Eagle | 11-100 | VU* | Data deficient | |
| Spilornis klossi | Great Nicobar Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | NT* | Data deficient | |
| Spilornis abbotti | Simeulue Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | VU* | Data deficient | |
| Spilornis asturinus | Nias Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | VU* | Data deficient | |
| Spilornis sipora | Mentawai Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | VU* | Data deficient | |
| Spilornis natunensis | Natuna Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | VU* | Data deficient | |
| Spilornis kinabaluensis | Kinabalu Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | VU* | Deforestation | |
| Spilornis baweanus | Baweab Serpent Eagle | 11-100 | VU* | Data deficient | |
| Spilornis rufipenctus | Sulawesi Serpent Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Deforestation and disturbance | |
| Spilornis holospilus | Philippine Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | LC | Deforestation | |
| Spilornis perplexus | Ryukuyu Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | LC | Data deficient | |
| Dryotriorchis spectabilis | Congo Serpent Eagle | 1001 - 10000 (RotW) | LC | Deforestation | |
| Eutriorchis astur | Madagascar Serpent Eagle | 101 - 1000 | EN | Deforestation and fragmentation of habitat |
Harpy Eagles
| Scientific Name | English Name | Estimated Population Size | IUCN Status | Trend | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morphnus guianensis | Guiana Crested Eagle | 1001 - 10000 (GRIN) | NT | Deforestation, coal mining,shooting | |
| Harpyhaliaetus solitarius | Black Solitary Eagle | 101 - 1000 (RotW) | NT | Deforestation, disturbance, shooting | |
| Harpyhaliaetus coronatus | Crowned Solitary Eagle | 2500 - 10,000 (RotW) | EN | Habitat destruction,spread of agriculture | |
| Harpia harpyja | Harpy Eagle | 10,000 - (GRIN) | NT | Deforestation, disturbance, shooting | |
| Harpyopsis novaeguineae | New Guinea Eagle | 1001 - 10000 (GRIN) | VU | Deforestation and hunting for trophy feathers | |
| Pithecophago jefferyi | Philippine Eagle | 101 - 1000 (GRIN) | CR | Deforestation,human disturbance, shooting,taking as pets |
Aquila Eagles
| Scientific Name | English Name | Estimated Population Size | IUCN Status | Trend | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ictinaetus malayensis | Indian Black Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Deforestation | |
| Aquila pomarina | Lesser Spotted Eagle | 30,000 - 50,000 (RotW) | LC | Persecution, wetland drainage,hunting of migrants | |
| Aquila hastata | Indian Spotted Eagle | ???????? | VU | Data deficient | |
| Aquila clanga | Greater Spotted Eagle | 1001 - 10,000 (RotW) | VU | DOWN | Disturbance, wetland drainage,persecution, secondary poisoning |
| Aquila rapax | African Tawny Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Secondary poisoning | |
| Aquila vindhiana | Indian Tawny Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 | LC | Diclofenac?? | |
| Aquila nipalensis | Steppe Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 | LC | Loss of habitat through agriculture, powerlines, persecution, predation | |
| Aquila adalberti | Spanish Imperial Eagle | 101 - 1000 | VU | UP | Persecution, loss of prey base through myxomatosis secondary poisoning |
| Aquila heliaca | Eastern Imperial Eagle | 1001 - 10000 | VU | DOWN | Shooting, Live pet trade, loss of prey base (susliks) through agriculture,deforestation |
| Aquila wahlbergi | Wahlberg's Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 | LC | Human interferance, loss of nest trees, secondary poisoning | |
| Aquila gurneyi | Gurney's Eagle | 1001 - 10000 | NT | UP | Deforestation, disturbance |
| Aquila chysaetos | Golden Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 | LC | Human disturbance,powerlines, shooting, poisoning | |
| Aquila audax | Wedge-tailed Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 (RotW) | LC | Deforestation, persecution | |
| Aquila verreauxii | Verreaux's Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Loss of prey species |
Hawk Eagles
| Scientific Name | English Name | Estimated Population Size | IUCN Status | Trend | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hieraaetus fasciatus | Bonelli's Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Persecution, powerlines,intensified agriculture, prey loss | |
| Hieraatus spilogaster | African Hawk Eagle | 10000 - 300000 (RotW) | LC | Deforestation | |
| Hieraatus pennatus | Booted Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Deforestation, human disturbance,persecution | |
| Hieraatus morphnoides | Little Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Habitat destruction locally | |
| Hieraatus ayresii | Ayres's Hawk Eagle | 1001 - 10000 | LC | Data deficient,some persecution | |
| Hieraatus kienerii | Rufous-bellied Eagle | 1000 - 10000 (RotW) | LC | Deforestation | |
| Spizastur melanoleucus | Black and white Hawk Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Deforestation | |
| Lophaetus accipitalis | Long-crested Eagle | 10,000 - 100000 (RotW) | LC | Probably none at this point - adaptable bird | |
| Spizaetus africanus | Cassin's Hawk Eagle | 1000 - 10,000 (RotW) | LC | Deforestation, human disturbance | |
| Spizaetus cirrhatus | Changeable Hawk Eagle | 10001 - 100000 | LC | Deforestation, human disturbance | |
| Spizaetus nipalensis | Mountain Hawk Eagle | 1000 - 10,000 (RotW) | LC | Deforestation | |
| Spizaetus alboniger | Blyth's Hawk Eagle | 1001 - 10000 | LC | Deforestation | |
| Spizaetus bartelsi | Javan Hawk Eagle | 100 - 1000 (RotW) | EN | Deforestation, felling for tea and coffee plantations,live pet trade | |
| Spizaetus lanceolatus | Sulawesi Hawk Eagle | 1000 - 10,000 (RotW) | LC | Deforestation and disturbance | |
| Spizaetus philippensis | Philippine Hawk Eagle | 101 - 1000 | VU | Massive and continuing deforestation | |
| Spizaetus nanus | Wallace's Hawk Eagle | 100 - 1000 (RotW) | VU | Deforestation, clearance for rubber and oil-pamn plantations, forest fires | |
| Spizaetus tyrannus | Black Hawk Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 | EN | DOWN | Deforestation |
| Spizaetus flores | Floris Hawk Eagle | 100 - 1000 | LC? | Deforestation | |
| Spizaetus ornatus | Ornate Hawk Eagle | 10,000 - 80,000 | LC | DOWN | Deforestation |
| Stephanoatus coronatus | Crowned Hawk Eagle | 1000 - 10,000 (RotW) | LC | DOWN | Deforestation, shooting, trapping, nest destruction |
| Oroaetus isidori | Isidors Eagle | 100 - 1000 (RotW) | NT | DOWN | Deforestation |
Fish Eagles
| Scientific Name | English Name | Estimated Population Size | IUCN Status | Trend | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haliaeetus leucogaster | White bellied Sea Eagle | 10001 - 100000 (GRIN) | LC | Human disturbance,shooting poisoning, loss of habitat | |
| Haliaeetus sanfordi | Sandford's Sea Eagle | 101 - 1000 (GRIN) | VU | Deforestation, pollution, overfishing | |
| Haliaeetus vocifer | African Fish Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 (GRIN) | LC | Water pollution through pesticides | |
| Haliaeetus vociferoides | Madagascar Fish Eagle | 101 - 1000 (GRIN) | CR | DOWN | Hunting, trapping, nest robbing, deforestation |
| Haliaeetus leucoryphus | Pallas's Fish Eagle | 1001 - 10000 (GRIN) | VU | DOWN | Drainage of wetlands,deforestation, industrial pollution |
| Haliaeetus albicilla | White tailed Sea Eagle | 10001 - 100000 (GRIN) | LC | Persecution, habitat destruction, general pollution | |
| Haliaeetus leucocephalus | Bald Eagle | 100001 - 1000000 (GRIN) | LC | Habitat loss, pollution, lead poisoning,human disturbance | |
| Haliaeetus pelagicus | Steller's Sea Eagle | 1001 - 10000 (GRIN) | VU | DOWN | Coastal development in petrochemical industry.HEP, logging |
| Ichthyophaga humilis | Lesser Fishing Eagle | 1001 - 10000 (GRIN) | NT | Deforestation, silting of rivers,overfishing | |
| Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus | Grey headed Fishing Eagle | 10001 - 100000 (GRIN) | NT | Deforestation, overfishing,disturbance, persecution |
Captive Breeding of Eagles
The goal of eagle conservation must always be to have a self sustaining population of eagles in the wild. But for many eagle species, especially for those with very low population numbers like the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) captive breeding can be an important part of the conservation strategy.
Why captive breeding
- There are many good reasons for captive breeding. The most important ones are listed below.
- to understand the species
- to research the species
- to be able to utalise similar species techniques
- to maintain sustainable captive populations
- to produce birds for release to the wild (if circumstances allow)
- to research into incubation techniques
- to research into rearing techniques
- to be able to share information
- to utilise captive population for teaching
- A piece of land that is safe, secure and quiet
- Preferably in a location with a climate not too dissimilar to the range state
- Well designed and built enclosures, taking into account the species and climate
- Good and safe food supply
- Good Veterinary experience close to hand
- Experienced staff in management, husbandry and captive breeding techniques
- Good quality birds
- Good incubation equipment
- Ideally, pairs of fostering birds
- Time
- Luck
Eagle Conservation
Eagles are charismatic, majestic and powerful -- characteristics that evoke public interest, awe and even veneration. Positioned at the top of the food chain, eagles play a crucial role in the balance and functioning of healthy ecosystems and as bioindicators of environmental change. For example, viability of populations is radically influenced by the quality of habitats and disruptions caused by pollution and toxicants. Eagles also have served as cultural and national emblems from ancient through contemporary times.
The worldwide situation for eagles is alarming, and indeed many wild populations of these species are in decline. Much of this loss is due directly to reductions in habitat and prey availability, direct persecution, poisoning and rapidly emerging diseases. Of the 74 currently recognized eagle species, 32 (43.2%) are listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered by the IUCN-World Conservation Union (2004 Red List).
There is a need to act – to share resources and knowledge to cooperatively understand and conserve the world’s eagles.
Contact us
If you want to contact us, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@eagleconservationalliance.org.
If you have comment's or questions about this website, please contact our webmaster: webmaster@eagleconservationalliance.org.