Fostering the settlement of Bonelli's eagle population in Sardinia

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

In Sardinia, the Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) became extinct between the 1980s and 1990s. The causes of the extinction are unknown, but it is believed that eggs and chicks robbery, as well as direct persecution for collection purposes may have played a role, together with collision with power lines that had a great boost in Sardinia around the 1960s. In 2018, the Aquila a-Life project (LIFE16NAT/ES/000235) kick-started the reintroduction of the species in Sardinia as part of the actions to strengthen the species in the Western Mediterranean. Although a first pair was formed in 2022, which however did not produce chicks in 2023, the formation of a population capable of sustaining itself over time is still a goal to be achieved.

It has emerged that the main problem for the survival of the released individuals is represented by the power lines. Raptors and birds of prey are particularly sensitive to the problem of electrocution as they use electric poles to perch while waiting for preys. Other species found in Sardinia such as Griffon vultures and Egyptian vultures are also frequent victims of electrocution. As confirmed by the Convention on Migratory Species, electrocution is one of the most common causes of mortality for birds, and Bonelli’s eagle is no exception. EU rules on bird-friendly power lines have helped, but those installed in the 1960s still represent a huge problem in Sardinia. 

The reintroduction of the Bonelli's Eagle in Sardinia has been the object of enormous attention both from the public and from the regional political part and has thus represented an excellent instrument to highlight the impacts of power lines on the avifauna. 

The results of this process have led to the submission to the Sardinia Regional Council of a proposal for a new law to overcome the problem of electrocution.  

OBJECTIVES

The general objective of this project proposal is to capitalize on the efforts made to date, consolidate the results achieved and obtain a viable and reproductive population of Bonelli's Eagle in Sardinia, continuing awareness-raising activities regarding the main threats to survival that the species shares with many other species of birds of prey.

The project’s specific objectives are to:

• continue the release of 8-10 Bonelli’s eagles per year using young individuals from Spain and Sicily
• increase of the Sardinian population of Bonelli’s eagle, enhancing its competitiveness towards the Golden eagle
• increase the food availability by creating sanitary controlled nuclei of wild rabbits, the eagles’ main food source

• secure medium voltage power lines against risk of electrocution
• secure small reservoirs and irrigation tanks to reduce the risks from drowning
• promote the use of non-toxic ammunition for small game hunting
• produce an updated multi-species risk map using GPS data, to be used by authorities when planning power lines and wind farms
• raise awareness about the risks posed to Bonelli’s eagles by electrocution
• ensure Natura 2000 sites and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in Sardinia include provision for Bonelli’s eagles
• define the economic value of Bonelli’s eagles to be compensated for in environmental impact assessments

RESULTS

The project’s expected results are:

• creation of 7 artificial warrens to help wild rabbits colonise the relevant areas
• securing of 70 irrigation tanks and 300 electricity poles to reduce the risk of drowning and electrocution
• release of 8-10 eagles per year for 6 years
• construction of a third Bonelli’s eagle aviary in Sardinia
• a multi-species risk and sensitivity map to be used by authorities when planning future regional conservation and infrastructures projects
•  creation of new SPAs in key areas and update of the Standard Data Forms (SDFs) for existing SPAs using data collected over the course of the project
• assessment of the survival and mortality rates, spread and reproductive success of Bonelli’s eagles in Sardinia
• assessment and definition of the economic value of Bonelli’s eagles
• ensuring that this value is used when planning new infrastructures and other projects in Sardinia
• assessment of the competition for food between Bonelli’s and Golden eagles
• assessment of the ecosystem function and socio-economic role of the species
• assessment of the risk of lead-ammunition poisoning
• update of the Bonelli’s eagle action plan