A new study has revealed the former range of the golden and white-tailed eagle in Britain and Ireland (going back 1500 years) in comparison to the two species’ current ranges, which are much more restricted.
The paper, published in the journal Bird Study (read abstract here), highlights the differences between historical and current eagle distribution and population sizes and provides evidence that at least one eagle species was present throughout much of Britain and Ireland in former years – an issue that has been previously disputed by those arguing against eagle reintroductions. The study also provides compelling evidence of the effect of persecution, an issue that continues to this day (e.g. see here).
The paper includes several maps to show the former and current distribution of the two species. It’s worth noting that the map depicting the current distribution is missing some important eagle locations – probably deliberately to protect these vulnerable sites. It’s a sad reflection on us that this is still neccessary in the 21st century.
Raptor Persecution UK 