Yes, there are golden eagles in Europe. The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a large bird of prey that is widely distributed across Europe, particularly in remote mountainous areas. It is absent from densely populated regions and only lives in areas that are far from human settlements. The golden eagle is a fierce hunter and known to attack fully grown goats, deer, and even wolves, although its most common prey are smaller mammals.
Distribution and Population of Golden Eagles in Europe
According to the Audubon Field Guide, the golden eagle is widespread in the wilder country of North America, Europe, and Asia. In Europe, there are an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 breeding pairs, with the strongholds being Spain, Norway, and European Russia. Other European countries with stable and sizable populations include Italy, Switzerland, and Romania. The population in Spain is considered to be increasing, while in the Czech Republic, it is considered critically endangered due to trapping, poisoning, and the draining and development of upland bogs.
In the Western Carpathian mountains, the golden eagle population is spatially and genetically cut-off from all other surviving golden eagle populations in Europe. The population in this area is restricted to mountains and hilly terrain between 400 and 1700 meters above sea level, with an average density of 0.5 pair per 100 km².
Physical Characteristics of the European Golden Eagle
The European Golden Eagle is one of the largest eagles in Europe, with a wingspan of over 2 meters. It has a predominantly dark brown coloration and is identified by lifting its wings up above the horizontal plane while soaring. The female European Golden Eagles are significantly larger than males, and the maximum age recorded in captivity is 57 years, with 38 years in the wild.
Diet and Hunting Behavior of the Golden Eagle
The diet of the golden eagle in the Western Carpathian mountains is varied and highly opportunistic, with birds making around 30-50% of the diet. The golden eagle is a fierce hunter and known to attack fully grown goats, deer, and even wolves, although its most common prey are smaller mammals such as hares, rabbits, and ground squirrels.
Conservation Status of the Golden Eagle in Europe
The golden eagle is a protected species in Europe, and its populations are generally stable or increasing in most countries. However, the population in the Czech Republic is considered critically endangered due to threats such as trapping, poisoning, and habitat loss. Conservation efforts, including monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, and habitat management, are crucial to ensuring the long-term survival of the golden eagle in Europe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the golden eagle is a large and impressive bird of prey that is widely distributed across Europe, particularly in remote mountainous areas. With an estimated population of 6,000 to 10,000 breeding pairs, the golden eagle is a significant part of Europe’s natural heritage. While the species is generally doing well in most countries, conservation efforts are still needed to protect vulnerable populations and ensure the long-term survival of this magnificent bird.
References:
– https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/golden-eagle
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_and_conservation_of_the_golden_eagle
– https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/golden-eagles-of-western-carpathian-mountains.487724/
– https://europeanraptors.org/golden-eagle/
– https://europeanraptors.org/eagles/
