The National Sheep Association (NSA) has called for extra monitoring of the current white-tailed sea eagle population in England before any new birds are introduced into the wild.
The statement from NSA was released today (Wednesday, 5 November) following recent concerns from sheep farmers in Cumbria and Exmoor regarding the possibility of further large prey birds being released within the regions.
“Pro-reintroduction groups” have reportedly submitted a proposal to Natural England for more sea eagles to be released in Exmoor, while a potential release in Cumbria is going through early consultation processes.
Sea eagle
NSA policy manager Micheal Priestley said: “NSA has opposed the Exmoor proposal, and has responded to the Cumbria consultation, stating clearly that we believe experiences of farmers and crofters in Scotland show the dangers sea eagles can pose to flock viability in instances where rogue birds adapt to hunt lambs.”
NSA warned that there has been cases of sea eagles in Scotland altering their choice of prey away from fish, and instead towards terrestrial mammals, such as sheep.
The reasons for this change in behaviour can vary from population size, estuary habitat, fish stocks, individual bird behaviour, and reintroduction methods, according to NSA.
Reintroduction of species
NSA voiced that it has concerns over more predators being reintroduced, highlighting that there are many existing species under threat in the UK already.
In England alone, the International Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List features more than 8,000 endangered species.
Additionally, the latest British Trust for Ornithology Red List has 70 species on it, many of which, according to NSA, are “being actively supported through sympathetic and multi-functional livestock grazing”
Priestley added: “NSA does not advocate for further releases and instead calls on relevant organisations to invest in extending the monitoring and project evaluation work to see how breeding pairs are faring and where they are moving.”
