IMPERIAL EAGLE (Aquila heliaca)
This species is a globally vulnerable species that was thought to be less than 50 pairs overall in Turkey. An M.Sc. thesis by Mehmet Gürsan showed that the country population is probably two-fold higher, breeding success is relatively high, and nesting habitat is narrowly defined but not uncommon in extent. The species was found to be a generalist predator, while mortality directly caused by humans is probably negligible (at least in north central Turkey).
Thesis abstract: The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a rare eagle distributed in the middle latitudes of Eurasia. This study aimed to clarify its status and distribution in Turkey, and study breeding biology and feeding ecology of the species in north central Turkey. Surveys carried out in an area of 5000 km2 yielded five to seven breeding pairs. Habitat analysis showed that breeding birds preferred territories between 900-1500 m. altitude that are close to a water body and at the edge of a wooded patch, mostly composed of middle-aged Black Pine (Pinus nigra) trees. Recent records expanded the known breeding range of the species south into the Taurus Ranges. Estimates based on these data, and incorporating various sources of uncertainty, gave a total population size of 42-180 pairs for all of Turkey.
Observations on pairs with active nests provided information on breeding success, behavior at nest, phenology of breeding, as well as on interspecific interactions. Eggs were laid in the first half of April, hatched between 15-25 May, and chicks fledged from late July to mid-August. An average of 1.57 young fledged per successful nest.
Based on pellet analyses and direct observations, the Imperial Eagle was found to be a generalist predator in the study area. Most significant prey were small- to medium-sized mammals and birds. Carcasses of domestic animals were regularly utilized and constituted an important part in the diet.
Human disturbance seems to be negligible although cases of shooting were recorded. Presumed high immature mortality as well as lack of suitable nesting trees may be the primary limiting factors for the Turkish population.