About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Question: What is the diet of nesting Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in Northern Arizona?

Objectives and Goals: This project is a portion of a larger study pertaining to Golden Eagle ecology in Arizona. This study is in collaboration with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and their occupancy surveys. My objectives are to collect prey remains and regurgitated casting material from active nesting pairs. I will identify (at least to genus) and rank prey species among active nesting pairs. In addition, I will calculate biomass for each species and compare biomass composition among nests. My goals are to determine where Golden Eagles are possibly foraging for prey utilizing the examined landscape characteristics from my dissertation and a priori behavioral ecology of Golden Eagles. In addition, I plan to document the distance traveled from their nests to potential prey habitat. For example, I plan to calculate distance between nest sites and closest documented prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) colony.

What is the significance of this project?

The status of the Golden Eagle population throughout North America is unclear and their population is believed to be declining especially in the southwest regions. Studies that include Golden Eagles' diet as well as where they are obtaining their prey are needed. A pair of nesting Golden Eagles requires large ranges and land cover that not only provides foraging success for them but cover for the prey. Golden Eagle conservation indicates the need to protect sizeable tract of land in order to support their prey base. Golden Eagles can act as an umbrella species by conserving their habitat, in turn; this will protect all flora and fauna within their territories. There is an increase in wind power proposals and the quantified data in the study will help AZGFD to make better conservation action and decisions in granting permission for wind power developments.

What are the goals of the project?

All the funds will be used to support fieldwork during data (prey remains) collection. Golden Eagles in Arizona nest in extremely remote areas, therefore, a high clearance vehicle and camping are required. The funds provided will be used to rent a high clearance vehicle and fuel. In addition to transportation costs, the funds will cover expenses associated with primitive camping such as food, haul in water and supplies. Finally, the funds will be used for any needed research permits required by the State of Arizona or US Fish and Wildlife Service.