More White-tailed Eagles released in Ireland

This summer's release of White-tailed Eagles in Ireland has been completed, according to the Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

A total of 24 young birds from Norway have been released at sites around Lough Derg, the Shannon Estuary and other western localities, meaning that 171 eagles have now been reintroduced since the scheme began in 2007.

One of this year's released juvenile White-tailed Eagles (NPWS).

Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, released four chicks at Killarney NP as part of the release programme. He commented: "The juvenile White-tailed Eagles we have released this week are joining a growing population across our island. This incredible endeavour is the result of 16 years' work and collaboration, not just on the reintroduction programme, but also on habitat restoration and engagement with landowners to secure their ongoing protection."

A comprehensive satellite-tagging system is now in place so that the birds can be monitored as they disperse around the country.

Illegal killing remains a significant threat to reintroduced White-tailed Eagles in Ireland. Earlier this year, two birds discovered dead in Northern Ireland were later proved to have been poisoned.