A wounded white-tailed eagle that was found and rescued a few weeks ago at a wind farm in Nickelsdorf (Neusiedl am See district) died, the WWF reported on Thursday in a broadcast. The nature conservation organization called for more action to be taken against illegal persecution, switching to lead-free ammunition for hunting and better infrastructure planning along important flight routes.
The female white-tailed eagle was found and reported by local hunters, examined at the University of Veterinary Medicine and treated and cared for at the Haringsee Owl and Birds of Prey Station. However, without success, because the lead poisoning was too strong. Lead remains in the landscape as a result of hunting in carcasses and departures. Even if it is eaten by birds of prey, there are neurological disorders that can lead to collisions. That may have been the case with the deceased eagle, because it had severe fractures.
“With only about 44 breeding pairs in Austria, every dead animal is a painful loss. Illegal persecution is the greatest threat. Lead ammunition and collisions are also a danger for the small native population,” explained species protection expert Christina Wolf-Petre.
Retrieved on March 10th, 2022 at 8:44 a.m. at https://www.sn.at/panorama/oesterreich/im-burgenland-anschussener-seeadler-nach-rettung-dies-118226461