“The future of Scotland’s golden eagle population is to be gauged in a major new study.

Numbers of the majestic raptors will be recorded over the next six month in research conducted by Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB.

It will be the first survey of its type in 12 years

All of the golden eagles in Great Britain are found in Scotland expect for a solitary male in the Lake District.

Much of the population is in the west Highlands and islands of Scotland.

The last population count found there were 442 breeding pairs of golden eagles in Scotland.

However, declines had been reported in North Central and South Central Highlands.

Threats remain to the golden eagle population in Scotland, the RSPB said.

Wildlife crime continues to be a major risk, with 17 golden eagles confirmed illegally killed in Scotland between 2003 and 2013.

Changes to upland management and forestry plus the advent of windfarms can also potentially affect numbers, it has been claimed.”

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Source: The Press and Journal