Spotted Eagle
VU

Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_spotted_eagle

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Spotted Eagle faces severe pressure from habitat loss as wetlands and floodplain forests are drained for agriculture and development across its breeding range in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Hybridization with the closely related Lesser Spotted Eagle poses an additional genetic threat, particularly in overlap zones. Power line collisions and electrocution during migration represent significant mortality sources, while climate change is altering the timing and availability of prey species in key breeding areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Spotted Eagles inhabit lowland wetlands, floodplain forests, and marshy areas with scattered mature trees for nesting. They prefer landscapes with a mosaic of wet meadows, shallow lakes, and adjacent woodland edges that support diverse prey populations including small mammals, amphibians, and waterfowl.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Accipitridae

Crested EagleVU

Crested Eagle

Morphnus guianensis

Unknown
Semiplumbeous HawkVU

Semiplumbeous Hawk

Leucopternis semiplumbeus

Unknown
Eurasian Marsh HarrierVU

Eurasian Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus

Unknown
Northern Goshawk (eurasian)VU

Northern Goshawk (eurasian)

Accipiter gentilis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Spotted Eagle classified as Vulnerable?
Spotted Eagle is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Spotted Eagle faces severe pressure from habitat loss as wetlands and floodplain forests are drained for agriculture and development across its breeding range in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Hybridization with the closely related Lesser Spotted Eagle poses an additional genetic threat, particularly in overlap zones. Power line collisions and electrocution during migration represent significant mortality sources, while climate change is altering the timing and availability of prey species in key breeding areas.
Where does Spotted Eagle live?
Spotted Eagle occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Spotted Eagle?
The main threats to Spotted Eagle are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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