Causes of death in differetn ares for Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus in Spain.

REAL, J.; GRANDE, J.M.; MAÑOSA, S.; SÁNCHEZ-ZAPATA, J.A.

BIRD STUDY

Año: 2001 vol. 48 p. 221 - 228

0006-3657

The Spanish Bonelli´s Eagle populations have decreased markedly because of high mortality. We recorded 424 cases of dead eagles between 1990 and 1998 in Spain which after cross-comparison corresponded to 377 individuals. Electrocution (55% of deaths), followed by direct persecution (26%) were the main causes of death. No differences in the cause of death were found between sexes. Non-adult eagles mostly died of electrocution whereas adults were mainly the victims of persecution. A log-linear model showed that these differences were associated with a difference in the spatial distribution of age classes, rather than to age or experience per se. Persecution was the main cause of death in breeding areas and electrocution in non-breeding areas. There were differences between regions: electrocution was the main cause in Catalonia and Central Spain (50% and 86% respectively) whereas direct persecution was the main cause in Levant and Northern Spain (52% and 43% respectively). We recommend that steps are taken in order to reduce eagle mortality, taking into account the differences between regions and areas.