WWF: Austria’s White-Tailed Eagle Population Makes a Comeback

WWF: Austria’s White-Tailed Eagle Population Makes a Comeback

Image: APA/WALTER W. / WWF-A

 

Austria’s endangered white-tailed eagle population is making a strong comeback, with around 90 breeding pairs now established across the country, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The bird, which serves as Austria’s national emblem, was once considered extinct in the region.

Eagle Numbers Set to Rise Further

Conservationists say the recovery is thanks to strict European protection measures. Christian Pichler, a wildlife expert at WWF Austria, said the population continues to grow. “The native population continues to grow. In the coming years, it could even surpass the 100-pair mark,” he explained.

Tracking Austria’s Eagles

WWF Austria has been fitting white-tailed eagles with tracking devices to study their movements. The data has revealed that the birds frequently visit Natura 2000 protected areas and that some Austrian-born eagles have migrated to breed in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

“These transmitters provide valuable insights into flight paths and mating behaviour,” Pichler said.

WWF is now calling for stronger conservation efforts, urging the Austrian government to implement the EU’s nature restoration law. The organisation argues that the law would help improve existing protected areas and make new habitats more suitable for wildlife.

Return of the White-Tailed Eagle

White-tailed eagles disappeared from Austria in the 1950s due to habitat loss, pesticides and hunting. But since 2001, conservation efforts have allowed them to recolonise many of their former habitats.

Monitoring has shown that the birds favour undisturbed natural landscapes, particularly the floodplains of the Danube, March and Thaya rivers, the Neusiedler See region and the ponds and rivers of southern Burgenland and Styria.

The Waldviertel region in northern Austria has become a key stronghold for the species. Ornithologist Benjamin Watzl said half of Austria’s breeding pairs are now found there, including in areas above 900 metres in altitude.

“Recent findings indicate that around 50% of Austria’s breeding population is based in the Waldviertel. These eagles are even settling in areas above 900 metres in altitude, making this one of the highest breeding populations in Europe,” he said.

Ongoing Threats

Despite the success, WWF has warned that white-tailed eagles still face significant threats, including illegal poisoning and shooting, collisions with wind turbines, and disturbances from forestry operations.

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