Reproductive aspects of Aquila adalberti and Aquila chrysaetos in eastern Sierra Morena

Full article

Published:

Volume 42(1), June 1995. Pages 83-89.

Language:

Spanish

Original title:

Aspectos sobre la reproducción de Aquila adalberti y Aquila chrysaetos en Sierra Morena oriental

Keywords:

Aquila adalberti, Aquila chrysaetos, electrocution, Golden Eagle, habitat, Imperial Eagle, mortality, reproduction, sierra Morena.

Abstract:

We report the breeding success of the Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti (five pairs) and the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos (seven pairs) in Eastern sierra Morena (southern Spain) and surrounding areas during 1986-1994. Spatial distribution and habitat characteristics of nesting sites are also described. Regularity in spatial distribution was found considering together all the nests of both species. However, this pattern did not differ from randomness when nests of each species are considered separately. Breeding success and fledging success for both species in this area were higher than for other populations in Spain. High prey abundance and relatively scarce human disturbance could explain these results. However, breeding failure, probably due to human disturbance, was important for three breeding pairs of golden eagles whose nests were located in intensive Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) hunting areas. Impact of electrocution mortality in this area for both species was high, affecting at least 13 imperial eagles and 20 golden eagles.