Australia's largest bird of prey is bucking a trend and flourishing in numbers while other species continue to struggle with urban development and a declining population.
Researchers say numbers of the wedge-tailed eagle across Australia are finally on the right side of the ledger
Australia's largest bird of prey is bucking a trend and flourishing in numbers while other species continue to struggle with urban development and a declining population.
Researchers say numbers of the wedge-tailed eagle across Australia are finally on the right side of the ledger, after dropping to near critical numbers following years of them being shot for reportedly killing lambs and other small farm animals.
Up to 147,000 were shot or poisoned for a small bounty in Western Australia between 1928 and 1968, while a higher number suffered the same fate in Queensland.
Australian Birdlife magazine editor Scott Dooley said while "wedgies" were a skilled and capable hunter, they were more likely a victim of being spotted in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"They suffered pretty badly during that period and you could argue it was somewhat unwarranted," Mr Dooley said.
"They are definitely capable of scooping up a large wallaby or lamb, but they'll often favour a pre-prepared meal, which is why they are so often spotted feeding on the abundant roadkill found across areas of regional Australia."
Mr Dooley said the wedge-tailed eagle was one of the few native birds of prey to show promising numbers following a nationwide survey on bird life conducted last year.
"The population [of wedge-tailed eagle] seems to be at least steady and maybe even higher than before, while our other birds of prey recorded a disturbing decline," Mr Dooley said.
"Although it varies state to state, they certainly benefitted from the introduction of rabbits and its ability to cover large distances if needed. They are found across mainland Australia and Tasmania."
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