Conservation of the Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon

In 2001 three young members of the Milvus Group started to be interesed about the status and distribution of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in the Apuseni Mountains in Western Romania . After repeated trips on field they identified several breeding places and nests of Golden Eagle. Due to the lack of information regarding to the range and population dynamics of the species, we have decided to initialize a census project which will serve as a base to a long term monitoring program.

Aim of the program

Monitoring, protection and study of the Golden eagle and Peregrine falcon in Romania

Objectives

• Assuring the survival of these species

• Conservation of the rocky habitats

• Involving volunteers in the monitoring and protection of the Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon

Activities

• Checking all the suitable breeding habitats in Romania

• Evaluation of the breeding pairs for both species

• Collecting data’s regarding to the biology of the species

• Delimiting threatening factors

• Preparing the documentation for Natura 2000 sites

Results in 2001

• 3 potential breeding sites checked in the Apuseni Mountains
• 2 Golden Eagle pairs identified, 1 succesfull breeding, 1 chick fledged out

Results in 2002

• 8 potential breeding sites checked in the Apuseni Mountains
• 3 Golden Eagle pairs identified, no succesfull breeding

Results in 2003

• 15 potential breeding sites checked in the Apuseni Mountains
• 7 Golden Eagle pairs identified, 1 succesfull breeding, 2 chicks fledged out

Results in 2004

• 18 potential breeding sites checked in the Apuseni Mountains
• 10 Golden Eagle pairs identified, 2 succesfull breeding, 3 chicks fledged out

Results in 2005

• With the help of the British Ornithologists Union financial support we have checked 45 rocky habitats in 42 days spent on the field
• We have identified 14 pairs of Golden Eagle and 2 pairs of Peregrine Falcon
• 6 pairs of Golden Eagle brood successful and 7 chicks fledged out
• 27 volunteers participated on the field trips
• We managed to lobby to be forbidden the hiking nearby the eagle nest and the paragliding in the breeding period of the Golden Eagle in the Turzii Gorge

Results in 2006

• 33 potential breeding sites checked in the Apuseni Mountains
• 13 Golden Eagle pairs identified, 3 succesfull breeding, 3 chicks fledged out
• 2 Golden Eagle chicks ringed in the Apuseni Mountains

If you want to join our team in order to protect these species, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following adresses: istvan.komaromi(at)milvus.ro, istvan.kovacs(at)milvus.ro