Logo MITECO

Aequilibrium: study of the predation of the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) populations in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula during the breeding season

MITECO

  • Roe deer (capreolus capreolus) calves have been confirmed in 87% of the territories (20 out of 23).
  • A total of 33 different predatory species (birds, mammals and reptiles) have been documented.

Line of action:

Terrestrial ecosystems

Status:

Finalizado

Execution date:

2017

The entity points out that the Aequilibrium project aims to show that the naturalistic and hunting approaches to the rural environment are compatible and that collaboration brings benefits for the knowledge and conservation of the environment and the species that inhabit it.

The main objective of the project is based on demonstrating the positive synergy between the hunting and conservation worlds through a scientific study:

The specific objectives are as follows:

  • Detailed study of the Golden Eagle’s diet during the breeding period
  • Interaction between golden eagles and roe deer
  • Ethological study (behaviour of species in the natural environment).
  • Update of the available information on the census of roe deer populations.
  • Non-invasive monitoring of golden eagle distribution: nest marking of golden eagle chicks and tracking by Facial Design Identification (IDF).
  • Integration of all the agents present in the territory.
  • Dissemination of project results.
  • Non-invasive monitoring of the reproductive success of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos).
  • Placement of camera traps.
  • Scientific ringing process.
  • Censuses of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).
  • Classification of images and collected remains.
  • Preparation of scientific and informative material.
  • Signing of Land Stewardship contracts.

During the monitoring of the 31 golden eagle chicks (Aquila chrysaetos) in 7 provinces of 3 different autonomous communities (Castilla y León, Comunidad de Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha) through photo trapping stations, the entity has documented a total of 33 different prey species (birds, mammals and reptiles).

According to the data obtained, it has been confirmed that the contributions of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during the breeding season of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are of great relevance for their success, with remains and contributions of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) having been recorded in 87% of the territories (20 out of 23). Although in number the most captured species was the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis), according to the entity, with 36% of the contributions compared to 16% of roe deer, in terms of the importance of biomass consumed, the latter has proven to be the most important food resource, with 34% of the total.

programa
linea de actuación

Aequilibrium: study of the predation of the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) populations in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula during the breeding season