Exploring the biological and social feasibility of reintroducing the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos to mid-Wales

Abstract

Species reintroductions are important and effective tools for wildlife conservation and can aid in the recovery of species that have suffered regional extinctions. Eagle Reintroduction Wales (ERW) has proposed to reintroduce the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos to Wales; the species has been lost from the region and various studies are required to determine the feasibility of a reintroduction project. Chapter 1 introduces the various facets of species reintroductions, feasibility studies, Wales and the Cambrian Mountains as a candidate region, and the golden eagle species. Chapter 2 presents findings from prey availability surveys using distance sampling, carried out across mid-Wales to determine whether the region holds enough prey biomass to sustain a golden eagle population. Results suggest that the region is denuded of prey species and a reintroduction may risk the starvation of golden eagles in the winter, though prey populations in Wales are under recorded and further surveys are advised. It is suggested that widespread habitat restoration and prey species conservation should be prioritised before a reintroduction. Chapter 3 uses the opportunity of an escapee golden eagle to explore local attitudes towards the species and a potential reintroduction through an attitudinal questionnaire. While several concerns and potentials for conflict were identified, the overall findings were of positive attitudes and support for a reintroduction. The findings of both studies as well as the future for golden eagles in the region are discussed in Chapter 4, linked by the cultural and ecological issues the region faces in the context of prey availability and social conflict. Further
social and biological studies are needed to better inform a reintroduction project.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aberystwyth University
Supervisor	Mariecia Fraser (Supervisor)