Management recommendations and performances for more effective conservation of the Spanish imperial eagles (Aquila adalberti Brehm, 1861) habitat and population.

Abstract

The Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila Adalberti BREHM, 1861) is nowadays the predatory bird most threatened in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as one of the most threatened in the world. It is listed in several International agreements of protection (IUCN, Bern, Cites, Bonn) as well as in the annexe I of Birds Directive (79/409/CEE) which makes up the Natura 2000 network. Regarding the Spanish framework, some measures have been taking to protect the Spanish imperial eagle. It is included in the National Catalogue of Threatened Species as “In danger of Extinction” (Real Decreto 439/1990) and also in annexe IV of the new Law 42/2007 of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. Nowadays there are only 216 pairs and it is limited to the western South quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula. The present communication will try to show a set of performances and measures of management, which have been carried out in Spain, for improvement and conservation of habitat and populations of Spanish imperial eagle. We want to show also different contributions and information from different specialists and work groups with recognized prestige and experience, which follow the recommendations proposed in the National Strategy for the Conservation of the Spanish imperial eagle. Also particular management experiences carried out in private and public properties, which are included in Natura 2000 network. In these experiences we will comment among other proposals, the compatible forest practices with the conservation of the Spanish imperial eagle’s habitat and the improvement of the habitat and the populations of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), main Eagle’s prey