bonelli s — bonelli s — A young Bonelli’s eagle has been rescued in Cyprus after its mother was struck and killed by a power transmission line, leaving the chick at risk of starvation, the Game and Fauna Service announced on Wednesday.
- The mother eagle had been monitored via a satellite transmitter as part of the European LIFE Bonelli EastMed programme when she was found dead. The exact timing of the incident was not disclosed.
The mother eagle had been monitored via a satellite transmitter as part of the European LIFE Bonelli EastMed programme when she was found dead. The exact timing of the incident was not disclosed.
After the mother’s tragic death, staff closely observed the father, who also wore a satellite transmitter, to determine if he could care for the chick. Unfortunately, it became evident that he was unable to provide sufficient food, placing the young eagle’s life in immediate jeopardy.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Game and Fauna Service took swift action. The nest was located high in a large pine tree within a difficult-to-access area. Using specialised equipment, the team safely reached the nest, secured the young bird, and transported it to a specialist veterinary facility for treatment and monitoring.
The intention is to rehabilitate the eagle and eventually release it back into the wild when it is ready. This incident highlights the critical role that satellite monitoring plays in enabling rapid intervention for endangered species.
The Game and Fauna Service has underscored the pressing need to insulate and protect power networks in order to prevent further fatalities among significant wild bird species in Cyprus. Power line strikes are a major threat to large birds of prey both on the island and globally, and addressing this issue is vital for their conservation.
