Study results show Isle of Wight sea eagles did not attack livestock

White-tailed eagles released into the wild in southern England did not attack livestock, a study has found.

Britain’s largest bird of prey – also known as the sea eagle – was reintroduced to the Isle of Wight in 2019, more than two centuries after the species went extinct in England.

Farmers on the island previously said they feared for the safety of the lambs.

However, Forestry England said its study showed no such predators.

In Scotland, where birds are more numerous, lamb remains have been found in the nests of sea eagles.

Forestry England’s Stephen Egerton-Read said the Isle of Wight eagles had not caught any lambs or similar animals.

He said: “There was no actual conflict (with agriculture). There was just a conflict of perception that could occur.”

To date, 29 sea eagles have been released on the island by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation as part of a conservation project.

Sixteen are still alive, including a chick born in southern England in 2023.

The study analyzed GPS data and sightings of the eagles, which have ranged as far as Scotland and continental Europe.

The researchers found that their prey included rabbits, mullets and squid.

The eagles supplemented their diet with carrion and stealing catches of smaller birds of prey, the team said.

Mr Egerton-Read said: “In the early days of the project the biggest concern about white-tailed eagles from all parties, be it farming, bird hunting, fishing or conservation, will be what…” birds eat.

“This nutritional data that we have is really useful in providing… reassurance.”

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