The Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (DZPPS) announced today that with 29 breeding pairs and 25 chicks reared so far, this is the most successful breeding season of the Eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), a critically endangered and strictly protected bird of prey on whose systematic monitoring and active protection careful work has been done in the previous 10 years.
As announced by the Bird Protection and Study Society, after several months of searching territories suitable for nesting, monitoring pairs known from before, and recording all nesting activities that imperial eagles start as early as February, this is the most successful breeding season since 2017 when only one pair of imperial eagles nested in the north of Serbia and when the first measures of active protection for this species were applied in our country.
The executive director of DZPPS, Milan Ruzic, said that not only are they found on our national coat of arms, but imperial eagles have also become a symbol of nature protection in Serbia, an indicator of possible optimism for all similar threats to nature.
“Imperial eagles now also have their own audience that awaits the results with impatience, writes and asks how many pairs there are, but great work is needed for us to find out these seemingly simple numbers at all,” stated Ruzic.
During the year 2026, 29 territorial pairs were monitored, of which 27 started nesting. 16 pairs nested successfully, and 25 chicks were recorded, which should fledge by mid-July.
Compared to the year 2025, when 19 pairs and 14 chicks were registered, an increase in population and nesting success was documented.
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The population continues to expand, primarily in Banat, along the flow of the Tisa river and towards the border with Romania.
This year, for the first time, pairs and an active nest were recorded in southern Backa, where the species had not nested for decades.
Despite the positive trend, the survival of the Eastern imperial eagle is still uncertain, which is also shown by the fact that at least four pairs during this year abandoned their nests or clutches due to disturbance by humans, the statement said.
Approaching nests and long stays in their vicinity are among the main threats to this species, so DZPPS appeals to citizens to avoid disturbing the eagles and to report any threat to strictly protected species and their habitats to competent institutions.
“The results show progress, but there is still a need for caution. Habitat destruction, cutting down of old trees, loss of prey, bird poisonings, deaths on power lines, and disturbances can have a direct impact on nesting success,” added Ruzic.
In the coming period, while the chicks are still in the nest, the ringing of a certain number of chicks and the placement of satellite tracking devices are planned.
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Source: Tanjug; Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons