Written Question · S2W-05951 · Session 2
How many special protection areas (SPAs), under Article 4 of the EU Birds Directive, have been declared in which golden eagles are named as…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many special protection areas (SPAs), under Article 4 of the EU Birds Directive, have been declared in which golden eagles are named as a qualifying species; how many pairs are fully protected, by the inclusion of their home range within the site boundary, by those SPAs where golden eagles are named as a qualifying species; what percentage of the population of golden eagles in Scotland this represents, and what plans it has for further designations.
The answer
Eight special protection areas(SPAs) have been classified by the Scottish Executive for the protection ofgolden eagle in Scotland. These cover an area of almost 344,000 ha or 4.4% ofScotland’s land mass.
No figures are available onthe number of home ranges which are fully within the site network for this verywide-ranging species, although most recent data indicate that there are 79pairs which have at least part of their range within the eight classified sites.
Based on the numbers ofpairs which have at least part of their range within designated sites, anestimated 19% of the total Scottish population is protected by SPA for whichgolden eagles are named as a qualifying species. 58% of the overall populationhave at least part of their range within the wider network of Natura siteswhere habitats are protected. All golden eagles in Scotland arealso fully protected under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act1981.
A new national survey of golden eagle was undertaken in 2003and once the results are analysed and published (expected in 2005) the ScottishExecutive will seek advice from Scottish Natural Heritage on whether furthersites can be identified which should be considered for future classification.
No figures are available onthe number of home ranges which are fully within the site network for this verywide-ranging species, although most recent data indicate that there are 79pairs which have at least part of their range within the eight classified sites.
Based on the numbers ofpairs which have at least part of their range within designated sites, anestimated 19% of the total Scottish population is protected by SPA for whichgolden eagles are named as a qualifying species. 58% of the overall populationhave at least part of their range within the wider network of Natura siteswhere habitats are protected. All golden eagles in Scotland arealso fully protected under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act1981.
A new national survey of golden eagle was undertaken in 2003and once the results are analysed and published (expected in 2005) the ScottishExecutive will seek advice from Scottish Natural Heritage on whether furthersites can be identified which should be considered for future classification.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-05951 by reference.