Imperial eagle  (Aquila heliaca)

Native forest has been lost to the forestry industry as trees are felled and replaced with introduced species, depriving the imperial eagle of nesting and feeding sites. Nest robbing by humans is common, and trade in this species remains a problem. Additionally, imperial eagles are shot and poisoned, and are electrocuted on power lines. Shortages of prey species, particularly the ground squirrel known as the suslik (Spermophilus citellus), have also contributed to the decline of this eagle (4).

The imperial eagle is legally protected in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey and Ukraine. The Eastern Imperial Eagle Working Group was established in 1990 and the European Action Plan was published in 1996. Crucial steps in the conservation of this eagle are the improvement of forestry practices, the maintenance of large trees and the prevention of mortality via nest robbing, illegal trade, poisoning and power lines (5).