Golden eagle numbers on the increase

Following our good news story last week about the rising population of bearded vultures, a report released over the weekend confirms that the number of golden eagles is also rising in the area of the Ecrins National Park.

A study back in 2005 counted 123 golden eagles. A head count over the weekend found 111, with the regions of Embrun and Briançon yet to be analysed. Christian Couloumy of the Ecrins National Park is confident that numbers are on the up and explains why this is such good news for the local ecosystem.

“It can only be good news for the environment because it is a bird that sits on top of the pyramid. If the eagle is doing well, it is likely that all other birds are doing well. It is a fragile animal with delicate reproduction: I am pleased that the eagle is returning to this territory. I hope now that these good figures for the environment will not cause fears in the population… We'll have to explain to everyone that it is good news that the number of eagles is a good ecological indicator of our environment.”

The golden eagle population is closely monitored in the Ecrins National Park and they are counted every 5 years. Now is a particularly good time for eagle spotting, as they are very active in protecting their nests and can often be seen circling over the mountains.

The golden eagle has been a protected species for the past 40 years and the hunting of this bird is against the law.