1st August 2010
Press Release
The Black Eagle Project Roodekrans started ringing the juvenile eaglets in 2006, with the exception of 2009; all fledged the nest successfully, with no adverse reaction. On the 26th July 2010 a ring was attached to the tarsus of the eaglet and two patagial tags were attached to the patagium. The reason these tags are put onto large raptors is to help with identifying these birds out in the field, the tag has a unique number on it that can be traced back to the nesting area. This information is important in understanding the dispersal of the birds from the natal area. This method of tagging has been used on thousands of birds all over the world and has been very successful over the years with no negative impact to the birds. It is this reason why the researchers at Roodekrans were amazed that the adult female showed signs of aggression towards the tags on her chick. This caused immense stress to the eaglet on the nest and during one of these attacks the adult eagle broke the youngster’s leg.
The project re-acted quickly and the juvenile was removed from the nest for medical treatment by wild life vet, Dr Brett Gardiner. The bird was stabilised and the leg was set by Dr. Gardiner, who said the prognosis for recovery and release back into the wild was high. The eaglet will be transferred to a rehabilitation centre where it will stay until it is ready to fledge, from there it will go out into the country and gradually be re-introduced to the wild.
The Black Eagle Project Roodekrans thoroughly investigated this form of research before taking the decision to proceed with this procedure. What has subsequently occurred at Roodekrans was a learning curve for other researchers to perhaps re think the tagging of juvenile eagles on the nest and perhaps to rather look at alternative methods for tracking large raptors.
A decision has subsequently been made that due to the adverse nature of this stress related consequence, such procedures will no longer be administered to the offspring of the Roodekrans eagle pair.

For further queries contact Libby Woodcock, Project Coordinator at 0826677097 or verreaux@mweb.co.za