The Bonelli’s eagle in the Saronic Gulf
As LIFE Bonelli eastMed project draws to its close, it is certain that its research efforts have greatly expanded our knowledge of the Bonelli’s eagle. Not only in relation to the threats associated with the species and the biological details that have come to light, but also in terms of its spatial ecology. Spatial ecology studies the distribution, movement patterns and their correlation with the life stages of a species and of course includes all the variables that may affect them. The study of spatial ecology is critical to understanding the suitability of habitats for the Bonelli’s eagle, as well as identifying key areas for the species. The primary instrument used in this effort is telemetry, which is the transmitters used to monitor birds.
The significance of the Argosaronic Gulf region for the Bonelli's eagle species was one of the unexpected findings that came up from the study of the species' spatial ecology! Undoubtedly surprising, given that no prior data had indicated this.
An illustrative image showing the use of the Argosaronic Gulf area by a Bonelli’s eagle during the first winter of its life.
The area that includes the Saronic Gulf, the Argolic Gulf and the adjacent coasts appears to be an excellent habitat for both the juvenile Bonelli’s eagles that use it throughout its range, and for some of the remaining breeding pairs of the southern mainland. Islands such as Hydra, Dokos, Methana and many rocky islets are nesting and/or feeding areas for the Bonelli’s eagle. Even areas that are seemingly incompatible - perhaps due to their proximity to Athens - such as Aegina and Salamina, regularly host juveniles that feed both on the main islands and on adjacent islets.
In April 2024, the Hellenic ORNITHOLOGICAL Society team visited the region over several days, in order to monitor the active territories and locate the feeding areas of juvenile Bonelli’s eagles. Immature individuals were identified and active and abandoned territories were monitored. The data gathered will be utilized to support conservation efforts and add to our knowledge of the species. In addition to the Bonelli’s eagle, the area is home to other breeding raptor species such as lesser kestrels, eagle owls and peregrine falcons.
More information on the movements of the Bonelli’s eagles can be found on the project website: https://www.lifebonelli.eu/el/tilemetria
