Ancient Lands of the Flying Emperor - Safeguarding the Eastern Imperial Eagle in Türkiye and Bulgaria

Challenge

Human activities such as deforestation and illegal hunting have severe negative impact on the habitats and the breeding success of the globally threatened Eastern Imperial Eagle. A major threat is posed by insulated medium-voltage power lines, which young eagles in particular use as nesting sites instead of trees.

Objective

The project aims to conserve the Eastern Imperial Eagle in the transboundary region along the Bulgarian and Turkish borders along the European Green Belt by taking urgent first steps towards species conservation in the core of the Thracian subpopulation. We aim to share knowledge and raise awareness among the people living in areas where Eastern Imperial Eagles are currently nesting, by highlighting their ecological significance.

Approach

Our strategy is to provide science-based recommendations for potential interventions and to promote shared ownership among institutions and individuals. Specifically, we will:

• Strengthen local capacity in the Thrace region of Turkey to support the conservation of the Eastern Imperial Eagle.
• Increase knowledge and identify threats to the Eastern Imperial Eagle population through surveys.
• Initiate collaboration with decision makers.
• Raise public awareness of the threats to the Eastern Imperial Eagle and measures to protect it.
• Other specific measures include the implementation of conservation measures and the development of an emergency species action plan.