Fieldwork to identify Imperial eagle pairs is well underway. Our first activity dedicated to supporting the 2026 Endangered Species of the Year, the Imperial eagle, focuses on assessing breeding territories and identifying potential habitats.

During this year’s breeding season, in addition to checking nesting sites known from previous years, we set out to identify potential locations in the western part of the country where conditions are suitable for Imperial eagles to breed.

To increase efficiency, we designated 10×10 km grid squares in areas where:

• multiple eagle observations have been recorded in recent years, 
• significant colonies of ground squirrels (the eagles’ primary prey) are present, 
• there are suitable tree lines for nesting. 

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our volunteers, we have thoroughly surveyed a total of 24 such grid squares. In border areas, cooperation was particularly close: our Serbian colleagues carried out similar surveys and, as a result, reported the presence of a new Imperial eagle pair along the border zone.

So far this season, we have recorded 8 pairs of Imperial eagles in the region, which gives reason for optimism compared to last year’s 3 pairs. We will return with updates on breeding success and chick numbers in mid-summer.

We also checked the artificial nest installed in March: although it has not yet been occupied, we hope it will soon find residents.

Our sincere thanks go to all our volunteers for their hard work and dedication!

In the coming period, we will revisit known nesting sites to monitor breeding success, but we still need your support.

To be able to continue our work and help the critically endangered Imperial eagle we need your support.