Relevance

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a large and conspicuous raptor that is important to the public for wildlife viewing and fills an ecological role as a primary predator of large rodents and rabbits/hares. In the Tahoe Basin, Golden eagles are most likely year-round residents occurring in low densities (Orr and Moffitt 1971). One of the largest studies ever on the status and trends of golden eagles in the western United States finished in 2012 and concluded that there is no evidence of an overall decrease or increase in total population size, at least during the six-year study period (Nielson et al. 2012). However, recent studies have shown mortality estimates at California wind farms to be as high as 75 golden eagles per year (Smallwood and Thelander 2008; Joel E. Pagel et al. 2013), representing a significant threat to the population. They are protected by both federal and state law, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibit the harming, killing, or possession of golden eagles, or their eggs or nests.

Human and Environmental Drivers

Golden eagle populations in the US have recovered after the impacts of DDT. Recent research suggests that the leading causes of golden eagle mortality after their first year were shooting (~670 per year), collisions (~611), electrocutions (~506), and poisoning (~427). See Millsap et al. 2022- https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2544 The Tahoe Basin experiences a significant amount of recreational use, which can result in nest abandonment or stress that reduces a golden eagle’s chances of survival (J.E. Pagel, Whittington, and Allen 2010; Boeker and Ray 1971). Golden eagle prey species’ populations can experience significant annual variability, which can affect Golden eagle reproductive productivity (Steenhoff, Kochert, and McDonald 1997; Kochert and Steenhoff 2002). Weather conditions, such as severe winters or unusually hot spring days can also reduce the reproductive success of golden eagles (Steenhoff, Kochert, and McDonald 1997). While wind energy is not present in the Tahoe Basin, studies have shown mortality at California wind farms to be as high as 75 golden eagles per year (Smallwood and Thelander 2008).

EIP Action Priorities

• Acquire Environmentally Sensitive Lands for Restoration and Protection

  Public land acquisition preserves open and wild spaces.

• Restore and Protect Native Fish and Wildlife

  Enhancing the biologic integrity of ecosystems to improve the environmental conditions necessary for the full range of species to help compensate for past degradation.

Monitoring Programs

• Golden Eagle Population Sites Monitoring