The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) remains on display in the region, yet the project surrounding its presence continues to be shaped by debate and conflict. Terms used to describe the initiative launched two years prior have shifted through intense discussions, especially in Ribadedeva, Asturias, where supporters emphasize re-entry of a species once present in Spain, while opponents point to a lack of evidence that it breeds in the Iberian Peninsula and question the overall conservation value of the effort.
The final phase of the dispute involved the Ecoloxista d’Asturies Coordinator and bearded vulture conservation groups, which raised concerns about the eagle posing a danger to wildlife. The controversy gained traction after photographs appeared showing what were described as hostile encounters between an eagle and a bearded vulture, drawing attention to perceived risks to protected species in Picos de Europa national park. In response, the bearded vulture foundation published the allegation along with the imagery, underscoring the perceived threat to local fauna.
Representatives from Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia on the Wild Flora and Fauna Committee subsequently withdrew their support for the ongoing promotion of the eagle in Asturias. The group stated that, given the decision, there was a push for the Principality to withdraw the released eagles from the natural environment, a step that had not yet been completed at that time.
– A caption under a photo notes the sight of white-tailed eagles in Ribadeo, Asturias, within the Pimiango acclimatization cage.
The coordinators argued that introducing the species could lead to negative interactions with native wildlife. They contended that the released birds should be captured to prevent such interactions, a view that persisted even as initial requests were not acted upon and months passed with birds still at large in the area.
Troubled “Super Predator”
The advocacy group GREFA and its allies had previously voiced strong opposition to the project, arguing that the European eagle is a large predator capable of feeding on fish, birds, and mammals and not inherently threatened. They emphasized that the species has a broad distribution across Central and Western Europe and much of Asia, and that there is no clear evidence that it breeds in Spain, according to some authorities. The coordinator highlighted that the species may already occur in Spain only as a winter visitor, and that establishment in the wild would not meet the criteria typically required for conservation of the species.
In their view, the eagle could function as a super predator in this environment, potentially competing with or preying upon native endangered species. The coordinator stressed that the introduction could have unintended consequences for local fauna and ecosystem balance, and that ongoing management decisions should consider these risks carefully.
Meanwhile, GREFA claimed that no interactions had been recorded between the newly released eagles and protected species, though this assertion was criticized as lacking thorough verification since the birds roam freely and their movements and behavior are not continuously traceable. The bearded vulture group described any such statement as insufficient due diligence given the visibility of the birds in natural settings and the uncertainty of their every action at any moment.
There was also mention of a documented encounter involving one of the bearded vultures released by the bearded vulture conservation foundation and an eagle introduced by GREFA, supported by two photographs. This incident fed the ongoing debate about how the reintroduction program might affect interactions within the ecosystem.
Intensive GPS Tracking
A project named Pigargo, operated with Norwegian involvement, released multiple osprey individuals in Ribadedeva. The current status indicated over twenty ospreys had been released, with ongoing monitoring through GPS transmitters to track movements and interactions. The coordinators repeated calls for the dismantling of project facilities on the Pimiango beach and urged a reassessment of the program by the local authorities in Asturias.
A photo caption shows a white-tailed eagle fitted with a GPS transmitter along Asturias’ east coast, illustrating the monitoring approach used in the initiative.
Despite continued debate, GREFA asserted that the reintroduction of the European eagle to Spain remained feasible and operational, even as the Principality of Asturias withdrew support following criticism from various experts, academics, and community members. GREFA argued that there was no technical or scientific reason to halt the effort, noting that the project received initial approvals in 2019 by regional governments and the national Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge within the Wild Flora and Fauna Committee.
The Pigargo project began in 2021 as a response to the 2018 list of extinct species within the broader Spanish habitat, which included the European eagle. GREFA highlighted in mid-year updates that intensive monitoring showed no evidence of adverse impacts on endangered species or livestock, consistent with outcomes observed in other countries where the European eagle has been established or reintroduced. The discourse around the project remains nuanced, reflecting a balance between ecological ambitions and precautionary concerns.
For further questions related to environmental governance, the department’s contact channel remains a reference point for stakeholders seeking official positions and data, though such contact details are not included here.