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The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is the largest eagle in Kazakhstan, breeding in almost all mountainous and forested areas of the country. In Karatau and the Chu-Ili Mountains, there are large breeding groups of this species, which have been threatened by the development of a network of wind power plants (WPPs) since 2021 since both of these breeding groups are concentrated in powerful wind corridors that are promising for wind energy generation. During the work, we modelled the distribution of the Golden Eagle in Karatau and the Chu-Ili Mountains using the Random Forest image classification method, calculated its numbers in this area and assessed the threats to its breeding groups from both existing and prospective WPPs. The area of breeding biotopes for the Golden Eagle is 18209.9 km2, and the area of habitats is 67602.43 km2. The Golden Eagle population in Karatau as of 2024 is estimated at 434–645, on average 466 breeding pairs (80 breeding territories are known), and 1126–1674, an average of 1209 ind., taking into account fledglings of the current year and immature eagles, in the Chu-Ili Mountains – at 163–292, on average 222 breeding pairs (40 breeding territories is known), and 422–757, on average 575 ind. The number of Golden Eagles migrating through Karatau is estimated at 7276–11423, with an average of 8386 ind. In the zone of influence of the Zhanatas and Shokpar windfarms, which has a radius of 4.5 km, three pairs of breeding Golden Eagles disappeared over 3 years. Some of the birds from the disbanded pairs died due to collisions with the blades of wind turbines, which is confirmed by the remains of 2 Golden Eagles under the turbines. Based on calculations in the CRM “Band”, a risk map with a cell step of 5 km was created, representing an assessment of the probable mortality of eagles during the construction of wind farms in these cells. The results of this study apply to the conservation planning efforts of the Golden Eagle, analysing the risks of developing not only wind energy but also other land uses, including mining and even recreation, and implementing compensatory measures for human intervention in the Goolden Eagle's habitat.

The Berd River flows along the southwestern part of the low-mountain Salair ridge and in the middle reaches has distinct mountain character. Within the Novosibirsk region, Berd and its tributaries create a unique mountain landscape area with suitable habitat for Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nesting group with density of up to five nesting pairs per 100 km2 (Karyakin, 2005). There is only indirect evidence for Golden Eagle nesting in the Novosibirsk region outside this area. The only publication that mentions nests found in the northern areas of the region (Northern, Kyshtovsky) is Red Data Book of the Novosibirsk region (RDB NR), here data is presented as personal communications and as unpublished. The nesting density in the northern part of the Novosibirsk region is estimated to be two orders of magnitude lower than in the Berd river valley (RDB NR).

The material for this paper is based on occasional observations of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) over a 30-year period and on breeding data collected from March 21 to April 14, and from May 21 to June 14, 2019, in the foothills and middle mountains of the northern macro slope of the Kyrgyz Range, from the Boom Valley in the east to the Kara-Balta area in the west. This territory is stretching on 170 km. The main goal of the fieldwork was to search for Saker Falcon’s (Falco cherrug) nests, thus information about the Golden Eagle’s nests was collected mostly occasionally. Nevertheless, these data objectively reflect the current state of the population. During the survey period 6 active nests of the Golden Eagle were discovered.

Presented data on the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) diet is based on the analysis of 291 pellets and 233 food remains found in or under nests and perches. Data was also obtained based on visual information. Small rodents were identified by teeth structure, birds – by femur and humerus sizes. If possible, species was determined by mammal hairs and bird feathers found in pellets or food remains. Information on the Golden Eagle diet was obtained between 2006 and 2023 in three administrative areas of Yakutia (Khangalassky and Namsky districts, administrative area of the city of Yakutsk) located in the basin of the middle reaches of Lena (Middle Lena).

In the 1990’s, in the South Caucasus, at least 75–100 breeding pairs were known, nevertheless, there is no exact data on Golden Eagles in Armenia. Various estimations were done for the species in the early 2000’s, varying between 20–80 breeding pairs. According to the Red Book of Animals of RA, published in 2010, the population of the Golden eagle consists of 34–38 breeding pairs. Additionally, during our recent sporadic field studies of raptor species we did not observe nesting activities in many previously known Golden Eagle breeding territories. Hence, in order to understand the status and to clarify all the uncertainties, in 2023 we began targeted research on the Golden eagle breeding population in the Republic of Armenia.

Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) have a Holarctic distribution. The subspecies A. ch. сanadensis inhabits North America, where it encounters the same anthropogenic threats as other eagle species worldwide, including electrocution on powerlines, shooting, collisions with vehicles, and poisoning by lead and rodenticides. A more recent threat is mortality from collisions with wind turbine blades. For the 11 States that are west of the 100th meridian and that represent most of the species’ year-round range within the coterminous United States of America (USA), over 600 individuals per year die from collisions with vehicles, wind-turbine blades, electrical power lines, and trains. Federal laws, policies, and guidelines aim to protect the Golden Eagle from the increasing threat of turbine mortality. Two Federal laws–the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act–will be reviewed.

Our recent investigation in China encompasses the species and number studies of eagles in captivity, study of methods and tools used to capture raptors in the field, investigation into whether there is trade (and at which level), estimation of damage to wild populations and their resources, assessment of the current situation in the field, negative factors, conflicts between laws and traditional culture (such as the Intangible Cultural Heritage), and how to solve and effectively manage them.

Trap camera was installed in an active nest of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria. The recordings encompassed 45 days in June and July and the camera took 12 900 photos, from the time when the single chick was ca. 32 days old until its fledging. 84 food deliveries were recorded, with the prey identified in 76 of them.

Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) play a crucial role in the ecosystems of the Bayan-Ulgii province and its neighboring regions. Our research focuses on the comprehensive survey of Golden Eagle nests and study of their migration patterns via the satellite tracking, providing valuable insights into population dynamics and migratory behaviors. In the years 2021 and 2022, we accomplished an extensive search for Golden Eagle eyries across 13 diverse counties in Bayan-Ulgii province, including Altai, Altantsugts, Bayannuur, Bayan-Ulgii, Bugat, Deluun, Erdeneburen, Nogoonnuur, Sagsai, Tolbo, Tsagaannuur, Tsengel, and Ulaankhus.

In May and June 2018 and June 2019 we surveyed breeding populations of large raptors (principally Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos, Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis, Long-Legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug and Eagle Owl Bubo bubo) in the north-west of the Ustyurt Plateau within the boundaries of the Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan. The area surveyed was ca. 1000 km2 represented the wider area of 3400 km2. Total 12 species of birds of prey were recorded and 8 of them considered as large raptors. Golden Eagle was found nesting on the Donyztau escarpment, 4 breeding territories were recorded and 3 of them successful; nesting density is estimated at about 5.0–6.7 pairs per 100 km of cliffs, the distance between neighboring pairs was ca. 6 km. Imperial Eagle: 5 breeding territories found on the Donyztau and Zheltau escarpments, 4 of them successful; average nesting density is 3.8 pairs per 100 km of cliffs. Steppe Eagle: 14 breeding territories (25 nests) revealed, among them 6 are successful (1–2 nestlings) and on other 3 breeding was failed; average nesting density is estimated at 1.3 pairs per 100 km2. Average distance between neighboring active nests is 2.5 km in Sholkara hill ridge but the distance between successful nests here is much bigger and makes about 13 km. Long-Legged Buzzard: 13 breeding territories (30 nests) found, of which 11 territories were actually occupied and 8 of them had successful breeding. Saker Falcon is found nesting on Donyztau escarpment: 4 breeding territories, including 3 successful; the average nesting density is 6.7 pairs per 100 km of cliffs. Eagle Owl recorded throughout the surveyed area; 11 breeding territories revealed, the average nesting density is 7 breeding territories per 100 km of cliffs and steep slopes. Two other species, Short-toad Eagle and Cinereous Vulture, recorded only occasionally, nesting in the area is not found. In general, our findings demonstrate the area is important for conserving several species of large raptors in the Atyrau Province.

В статье приведены новые данные о распространении и результаты анализа современной численности 8 видов крупных хищных птиц (беркут Aquila chrysaetos, орёл-могильник A. heliaca, большой подорлик A. clanga, малый подорлик A. pomarina, орёл-карлик Hieraaetus pennatus, орлан-белохвост Haliaeetus albicilla, змееяд Circaetus gallicus и скопа Pandion haliaetus) в Нижегородской области. В 2014–2018 гг. был выявлен 151 гнездовой участок этих видов. Современная численность беркута 7–16 пар, большого подорлика – 90–100 пар, малого подорлика – неизвестна, орла-карлика – 104–111 пар, орлана-белохвоста – 70–80 пар, скопы – 50–60 пар, змееяда – 80–90 пар. Орёл-могильник исчез на гнездовании.

Проведены обследования известных и новых гнездовий беркута (Aquila chrysaetos L., 1758) в Средней Лене. В работе приводятся сведения по состоянию ранее известных и обнаруженных в последние годы гнёзд беркута в Средней Лене. Здесь на сегодня выявлено наличие 33 гнездовых территорий этого орла и 27 гнезд, в т.ч. 13 – жилые. В долине среднего течения р. Лена гнездовья беркута приурочены открытых участков. Гнёзда расположены, в основном, на перестойных лиственницах, произрастающих на склонах коренного берега реки

Беркут (Aquila chrysaetos) в настоящее время населяет горную и предгорную части Алтайского края. Раньше этот орел гнездился также в лесных массивах равнинной части региона (ленточных и приобских борах), но, по всей вероятности, почти полностью исчез там за последние 12 лет из-за увеличения масштабов выборочных рубок леса и связанного с этим беспокойства.