Reintroduction of white-tailed eagles puts seabird colonies at risk of wipeout, say experts

Naturalists are split over proposals to increase the number of wild raptors in England and Wales, particularly the reintroduction of white‑tailed eagles. Some ecologists and conservationists warn that the larger eagle populations could threaten endangered seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and kittiwakes. They argue that breeding colonies of these birds could collapse if many eagles are released. The debate highlights the tension between predator restoration and seabird conservation.

Naturalists divided over potential impact of proposals to increase number of wild raptors in England and WalesWhite-tailed eagles reintroduced into England and Wales imperil endangered seabird populations and risk wiping out some colonies, ecologists and conservationists are warning.Puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and kittiwakes are among the birds for which breeding populations could collapse if large numbers of white-tailed eagles are released, according to some academics and conservationists. Continue reading...