Record Number of Eastern Imperial Eagle Pairs in Bulgaria

Photo: © Georgi Gerdzikov

A total of 47 pairs of the globally endangered Eastern Imperial Eagle are currently breeding in Bulgaria. In comparison, only 8 pairs were recorded 25 years ago.

A team from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has identified eight newly occupied territories of the species in the country. This is a major conservation success of both national and international importance and the result of years of dedicated work by numerous experts and organizations.

Of the eight newly formed pairs, six have occupied artificial nests—four installed by BSPB and two by Green Balkans. This is yet more evidence of the effectiveness of this conservation practice in attracting new pairs to suitable and safe territories for the species.

Another record has also been set—the highest number of breeding pairs ever recorded in the country: 36. The number of chicks hatched during the year is yet to be determined.

Two of the new pairs are located in the Sakar region, bringing hope for the species’ recovery there, as in recent years the eagle has rarely occupied territories in this area due to habitat changes, primarily the conversion of grasslands into agricultural land and the large-scale removal of shrubs.

This population growth is largely due to targeted conservation measures, particularly the insulation of dangerous power poles, which are a major cause of mortality—especially among young eagles that gather in southeastern Bulgaria.

Driving the discovery of new Eastern Imperial Eagle pairs over the past 20 years is BSPB’s expert on birds of prey, Dr. Dimitar Demerdzhiev:

“The positive trend in the population of the Eastern Imperial Eagle in Bulgaria in recent years is a direct result of the long-term and focused efforts of BSPB and other conservation organizations, as well as our partnership with EVN South Bulgaria, which has led to the insulation of over 3,000 dangerous power poles in key habitats for the species.
Another highly successful conservation measure is the installation of artificial nests, which attract newly formed pairs to suitable and safe habitats. So far, data show that one-third of the Imperial Eagle population in the country nests in artificial structures, including six of the newly discovered pairs. Nest guarding has minimized disturbance and poaching during the breeding season, contributing to population growth over the years. In addition, intra-population dynamics—namely the increase in the species’ numbers across much of its range—have also played a role in the growth of Bulgaria’s population.”

Despite the increase in Eastern Imperial Eagles in Bulgaria, their future remains uncertain. Unsustainable agricultural practices, the use of poison baits, and dangerous power lines in some regions continue to pose serious threats. These challenges highlight the need for continued joint efforts to ensure the species’ protection.

Activities related to the conservation of the Imperial eagle are carried out within the  “From Iron curtain to the Green Belt”. The project is funded by the Endangered Landscapes and Seascape Programme (ELSP) that is managed by the Cambridge Conservation Initiative – a collaboration between the Chancellor Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge of The Old Schools and leading internationally-focused biodiversity conservation organisations. The University and the ELP are supported by Arcadia – a charitable fund of Peter Baldwin and Lisbet Rausing.