Written Question · S2W-18453 · Session 2
What the effect of all proposed wind farms will be on the eagle population; whether it will publish (a) the best available estimates of the…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect of all proposed wind farms will be on the eagle population; whether it will publish (a) the best available estimates of the eagle population in each of the last six years and (b) its estimate of the future population of eagles, and whether it has had communications with Scottish Natural Heritage in relation to this issue and, if so, whether it will publish any relevant documentation.
The answer
It is not possible to forecast accurately what the effect, if any, of all proposed wind farms will be on the eagle population as many projects are still in the process of environmental survey and evaluation.
Golden eagle populations are not estimated annually. National surveys take place approximately every 10 years. The last survey was in 2003, and estimated the Scottish population at 442 breeding pairs. In 1992, the estimate was 425 pairs. It is difficult to make firm predictions of the future population size of a species but I am advised that large changes in the eagle population of Scotland in the short- to medium-term are unlikely.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) advises the Scottish Executive on the possible effects of proposed wind farms, and is monitoring the cumulative impact of such developments. Comments from SNH on Environmental Statements relating to wind farm proposals are publicly available unless they make specific reference to sensitive environmental information.
Golden eagle populations are not estimated annually. National surveys take place approximately every 10 years. The last survey was in 2003, and estimated the Scottish population at 442 breeding pairs. In 1992, the estimate was 425 pairs. It is difficult to make firm predictions of the future population size of a species but I am advised that large changes in the eagle population of Scotland in the short- to medium-term are unlikely.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) advises the Scottish Executive on the possible effects of proposed wind farms, and is monitoring the cumulative impact of such developments. Comments from SNH on Environmental Statements relating to wind farm proposals are publicly available unless they make specific reference to sensitive environmental information.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-18453 by reference.