Global News - August 2007

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Ireland reintroduces eagles 100 years after they were declared extinct

Fri 17 August 2007 12:45 UK — Europe

A government official in Ireland yesterday (August 16th) released six young white-tailed eagles into the wild, over 100 years after the bird of prey was declared extinct in the country.

As part of an ongoing scheme to reintroduce native birds of prey to Ireland John Gormley, minister for the environment, heritage and local government, released the birds in Killarney National Park in Kerry.

"These eagles had pride of place in the cultural and natural heritage of Ireland for hundreds of years but due to trapping and shooting in the 19th and early 20th centuries they became extinct," MR Kerry explained.

He added that the scheme will help to fulfil part of Ireland's commitment to maintain and enhance its native wildlife.

The eagle chicks were flown to Ireland from Norway in June. They will be monitored for the next five years and the project will follow previously successful models for the reintroduction of birds.

Mr Gormley concluded: "I know that in Scotland white-tailed eagles attract thousands of visitors annually and hopefully in time these eagles will attract similar visitor numbers and will prove another attraction in promoting the wild and unspoilt landscape of the south-west region."

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