Young satellite-tagged golden eagle suddenly vanishes in notorious area near Scots hunting estates

A young golden eagle fitted with a satellite tag has suddenly disappeared in a notorious area of posh hunting estates known for wildlife crimes. The majestic young bird, which hatched in Tayside in 2022, went missing in an area of moorland in the Angus Glens which has a long history of illegal bird of prey persecution.

Wildlife investigators say they believe the eagle was killed and the tag destroyed after it suddenly stopped transmitting in May. It comes amid a horrific recent spate of crimes against birds of prey in Scotland. In July, another golden eagle was found partially dismembered in a bag near Stirling. Last year, a stunning female golden eagle named Merrick was shot and killed while roosting in a tree in the Borders, sparking a major police probe. Merrick was relocated to the south of Scotland from the Angus Glens as part of a golden eagle conservation project.

The Angus Glens are known as a particular hotspot for wildlife persecution, dominated by grouse moors enjoyed by a number of shooting estates. Data from the young golden eagle’s tag was taken to police with cops, the National Wildlife Crime Unit and RSPB Scotland then conducting a search of the area. However, no trace of the bird or tag was found.

Will Hayward, RSPB Scotland Senior Investigations Officer, said: “The sudden cessation of transmissions from this tag strongly suggests human interference, and reflects a pattern of tagged birds ‘disappearing’ almost exclusively on or near grouse moors that has become all too evident in recent years. Had this bird died of natural causes or if the tag had become detached, we would be able to locate and retrieve it. Given the well-proven reliability of this technology, when no body or tag is found, this is highly suspicious. We believe this bird has been killed and the tag destroyed.”

A tagged hen harrier called Shalimar went missing in similar circumstances in the Angus Glens in February, while an osprey was found shot in the Glen Doll area in August. It is a crime to kill a bird of prey, and anyone caught doing so faces a fine and possibly jail time. New wildlife protection laws passed in March can also see grouse moors lose their licence to operate if illegal activity takes place. But amid this year’s horrendous spree of crimes against birds of prey, wildlife campaigners have questioned whether the new legislation is having any impact on tackling the cruel killings.

Other Scottish cases in 2024 include a buzzard illegally blasted in the leg with a shotgun in Perthshire in May and left to endure “significant unnecessary suffering” before it died. And a red kite in Sutherland was found dead near a woodland walking trail in April poisoned with lethal banned pesticide Carbofuran – a quarter-teaspoonful of which can kill a person.

If you notice a dead or injured bird of prey in suspicious circumstances, call Police Scotland on 101 and fill in the RSPB’s online reporting form. If you have information about anyone killing birds of prey which you wish to report anonymously, call the RSPB’s confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.

In summary, the disappearance of a young golden eagle in the Angus Glens highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife persecution in Scotland. Despite efforts to protect birds of prey, illegal killings continue to occur, raising concerns among wildlife campaigners about the effectiveness of current legislation. It is crucial for authorities and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat these cruel crimes against protected species.