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29 September 2023
Knowing your subjects is crucial when it comes to wildlife management. Understanding a species from its population to its habitat is the backbone of effective conservation. The golden eagle, a cherished and beautiful bird of prey, was one such puzzle in Arizona.
Like many iconic wildlife species, Golden eagles in Arizona are linked to laws created to protect them. In 1940, Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act to protect declining bald eagle populations from various threats. Later, in 1962, the Act was updated to include golden eagles, giving birth to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, often called the Eagle Act. This expanded protection was vital as golden eagles faced challenges, and conserving them became a shared duty.
Before the new millennium, our knowledge of Arizona golden eagles was limited. We knew little about their population size, preferred habitats, daily behaviors, or essential life rates.
The year 2007 marked a significant moment in golden eagle conservation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) clarified what “disturb” meant under the Eagle Act. This definition encompassed any activity that might harm an eagle or interfere with their breeding and survival. It was a crucial step in protecting these majestic birds.
In 2009, the USFWS established rules for authorizing “take” under the Eagle Act. However, one essential piece was still missing. For these take permits to align with the Act’s intent of maintaining stable or growing eagle populations, we needed accurate population estimates.
In June 2010, the Arizona Game and Fish Department used these Acts to allow for more hands-on research of these birds to uncover the secrets of golden eagles. The Southwestern Golden Eagle Management Committee comprised 17 state, federal, private, and tribal groups united by a shared commitment to conservation. Through this partnership, the Department secured funding for comprehensive statewide golden eagle surveys.
These surveys were nothing short of an extensive effort, including a two-year nest search, a two-year occupancy assessment, and an ongoing productivity assessment. It was a mission to uncover the hidden world of these impressive birds, understand their behaviors, and reveal their mysteries.
Survey findings uncovered their nesting sites, mapped their behaviors, and provided valuable insights into their breeding success. These discoveries were vital for crafting effective conservation strategies, ensuring the protection of these magnificent birds for future generations.
Every piece of knowledge in wildlife conservation is a step toward a brighter future for our planet’s incredible creatures.
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