For the first time in Sicily, a Golden Eagle chick from a natural nest has been “tagged” for scientific purposes
The study of the interactions between the Bonelli’s Eagle and the Golden Eagle becomes a reality in Sicily and Sardinia thanks to satellite GPS transmitters placed on the raptors. A webcam, installed near the nest in the Nebrodi Park and constantly monitored by researchers, provides live streaming of the chick’s extraordinary life, publicly accessible online.
ISPRA is conducting research on the ecological interaction between the Golden Eagle and the Bonelli’s Eagle in the Mediterranean, within the framework of the LIFE Abilas project on the reintroduction of the Bonelli’s Eagle in Sardinia. The results of this study will make it possible to highlight possible differences in dispersal strategies and spatial distribution, as well as the potential areas of overlap between the two species, in order to develop the best conservation strategies.
To gather the necessary information for the research, several specimens of Golden Eagles and Bonelli’s Eagles have been fitted with satellite transmitters (Tags) in Sardinia. This has made it possible to learn important details about the juvenile dispersal of this apex predator and to identify major risk factors for their conservation. Since Sicily is also home to both eagle species, from 2025 some project activities have been extended to this island as well. The first Sicilian chick was tagged at a site in Nebrodi Park on July 15, thanks to the valuable collaboration with the Nebrodi Park Authority. The nest is constantly monitored with a webcam previously installed by the Park (https://www.ipcamlive.com/aquila), accessible 24/7, which provides extraordinary footage of the “education” of a young eagle.
