A study published in Current Biology by researchers from the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the British Trust for Ornithology reveals that Greater Spotted Eagles significantly altered their migration routes in 2022 to avoid conflict zones within Ukraine. GPS data from tagged birds suggests detours due to threats like artillery fire and troop movements. This study highlights the potential ecological disruptions caused by warfare.
Lead author Charlie Russell, a postgraduate researcher at the University of East Anglia, stated that the war in Ukraine has had devastating impacts on both people and the environment. The findings provide insight into how conflicts affect wildlife. The Greater Spotted Eagle, classified as vulnerable due to population decline, has been tracked using GPS tags since 2017. Originally meant for long-term monitoring, the data captured the birds’ response to an active conflict zone.
Unexpectedly, the eagles exhibited deviations from their established migration routes, bypassing or using stopover sites less frequently. These detours resulted in longer journeys, averaging an additional 85 kilometers. Stopover sites in Ukraine, crucial for rest and refueling, were impacted by the birds’ altered migratory paths. The lack of these sites raises concerns about the eagles’ ability to reach breeding grounds and reproduce successfully.
Dr. Jim Reynolds, Assistant Professor in Ornithology and Animal Conservation at the University of Birmingham, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that the conflict in Ukraine is disrupting the migratory ecology of the Greater Spotted Eagle. For a vulnerable species like this, disruptions to breeding performance pose significant challenges for conservation efforts. The researchers noted that while
