The global population of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) is estimated to range between 170,000 and 250,000 individuals, making it one of the most populous eagle species. However, population trends and conservation status vary across different regions.
Global Golden Eagle Population
The global population of Golden Eagles is estimated to be between 170,000 and 250,000 individuals. This makes the Golden Eagle one of the most populous eagle species in the world.
| Region | Population Estimate |
|---|---|
| United States | ~30,000 |
| Europe | 6,000 – 10,000 breeding pairs |
| North Africa | 200 – 500 breeding pairs in Morocco |
Golden Eagle Population in the United States
In the United States, the Golden Eagle population is estimated to be around 30,000 individuals. The population trends vary across different regions:
- Eastern Golden Eagle Population: Estimated to be around 5,000 individuals, with a stable population.
- Migration through Pennsylvania: Around 5,000 Golden Eagles migrate through Pennsylvania annually.
- Other Eastern U.S. Regions: An additional 300 to 500 Golden Eagles are documented during migration.
Golden Eagle Population in Europe
The European Golden Eagle population is estimated to consist of 6,000 to 10,000 breeding pairs. The strongholds of the population are in Spain, Norway, and European Russia.
| Country | Breeding Pairs |
|---|---|
| Spain | 1,300 |
| Norway | 860 – 1,040 |
| European Russia | 500 – 1,000 |
| Italy | 476 – 541 |
| Switzerland | 300 – 310 |
| Romania | 85 – 130 |
Some European countries have seen an increase in their Golden Eagle populations, such as Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, and Poland. However, other countries, like Albania, Croatia, England, Greece, and Latvia, have experienced declines.
Golden Eagle Population in North Africa
In North Africa, the main occurrence of Golden Eagles is in Morocco, which is estimated to hold 200 to 500 breeding pairs. There are much fewer Golden Eagles in other North African countries, with small, scattered populations in Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
Threats to Golden Eagle Population
Golden Eagles face several threats, almost all of which are attributable, directly or indirectly, to human activities. These threats include:
- Habitat change
- Persecution
- Poisoning (often directed at other species)
- Collisions with man-made objects
- Urbanization and human-population growth, leading to habitat destruction
Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and maintain stable Golden Eagle populations, especially in regions where the species is facing declines or threats from human activities.
References:
– https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/goldeneagle/population
– https://abcbirds.org/blog21/eastern-golden-eagle/
– https://www.fws.gov/species/golden-eagle-aquila-chrysaetos
– https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/maps-range
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_and_conservation_of_the_golden_eagle
