The Iberian imperial eagle is a unique species, characteristic of our highly appreciated Mediterranean ecosystems. It lives exclusively in five Spanish autonomous communities (Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura and Madrid) and in Portugal. With a population of 250 breeding pairs, it is listed as Endangered and is currently the most endangered raptor in Europe. Our country, which is home to 99% of the world’s breeding population, is most responsible for ensuring its conservation and long-term survival.

Results of the Taking Flight Program (2006-2008)

During the last three years, work has been carried out in collaboration with private owners of farms in Campo de Montiel and Sierra Morena Oriental de Ciudad Real, thanks to which it has been possible to implement habitat management measures beneficial to the Iberian imperial eagle in a territory on which approximately 10% of the population depends. so it is of great importance for the conservation of the species. In total, collaboration agreements have been signed with 17 farms, in which the Programme has invested nearly €100,000 in habitat management measures.

In addition, nearly 120 actions have been carried out to curb all kinds of threats to the species and several workshops have been held in which various aspects of interest for its conservation have been discussed, such as the fight against electrocution or the illegal use of poisoned baits.

An extensive awareness-raising and dissemination campaign has also been carried out, within the framework of which numerous informative materials have been published and 127 talks and activities have been carried out in which nearly 2,000 people have participated.

Custodian Network for the Conservation of the Iberian Imperial Eagle

The second phase of the project (2009-2012) is based on a large Land Stewardship Network, based on three sub-networks: a Network of Municipalities, a Network of Properties and a Network of Schools. The first two will channel the actions of habitat management and conservation of the species and the last all the actions of awareness and dissemination.

The Network of Municipalities for the Iberian Imperial Eagle represents a great opportunity to involve local entities in the conservation of biodiversity, a task in which they are fundamental actors as those responsible for the management of the territory and administration closer to the citizens. The initiative has been very well received since, for the moment, 50 municipalities throughout the distribution area of the species have joined the Network.