Investigation launched after white-tailed eagle poisoned in Kerry
The young female eagle was brought in as a chick from Norway in 2024 by the white-tailed eagle Reintroduction Programme, managed by NPWS, under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Sadly the bird was found dead in Glencar in April of this year and toxicology reports show it was poisoned by a illegal substance.
The NPWS have launched an investigation into the death of the eagle and have strongly criticised the incident. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD also criticised the incident.
The young female eagle released in Killarney National Park in 2024. Since 2020, all eagles released as part of this programme are monitored via satellite-tags.
Concerns were raised in early April, as the eagle's satellite tag showed that she had remained stationary for several days.
NPWS staff went to the location of the satellite tag and located the partially decomposed carcass of the eagle in a woodland.
Toxicology tests have confirmed it had been poisoned with Carbofuran, an insecticide which has been banned in Ireland since 2007. It is not known how the eagle ingested this substance at this time.
The NPWS said it 'deplores the deliberate killing of rare and endangered species, and takes bird of prey persecutions extremely seriously.'
Deputy O'Sullivan said that the loss is 'regrettable' but will not stop efforts to introduce the bird of prey.
'Any loss in the wild not due to natural causes, is usually the result of human activity and this tragic loss is deeply regrettable.'
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'We will continue with our efforts to introduce, nurture and protect these birds as part of The Reintroduction Programme which has been making significant progress in restoring this lost flagship species to Irish skies. The white-tailed eagle is part of Ireland's natural heritage and are important for our biodiversity, as they are a good indicator species regarding the health of our ecosystems.'
Considerable efforts in recent years to reintroduce this iconic species, which was driven to extinction in the 19th and early 20th century by human persecution, have successfully contributed to the species re-establishment in Ireland.
The white-tailed eagle Reintroduction Programme, which began in 2007, has so far released nearly 200 young eagles which have been supplied by the Norwegian Government. Currently, there are 13-16 breeding pairs, with 64 chicks fledged by the end of 2024.
Sadly, however, a number of the eagles brought in as part of the programme have met untimely deaths.
Recently, it was announced that a male eagle which held territory in Lough Derg for 17 years had been found dead, also suspected due to poisoning.
The NPWS said the 'persecution by humans is the biggest threat to the reintroduction programme in Ireland."
"The misuse/illegal use of poisons accounts for nearly 50% of eagle deaths where the cause of mortality was able to be determined, and at least one eagle has been shot. In terms of natural causes of death, a number of eagles have succumbed to avian flu, as well as other conditions,' they said.
The NPWS have now launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for information.
'We appealing for any information the public may have in relation to the incident, or any other suspected poisoning or other unlawful killing of birds."
Any information in respect of this or any suspected breaches of the Wildlife legislation should be reported to the NPWS head office or local offices or via email to wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie.
Wildlife crime incidents can also be reported to An Garda Síochána.
The NPWS has also stressed that in the interests of public health and safety, the public should not handle dead birds.
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