Study Reveals Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on Greater Spotted Eagles
A recent study published in the journal Current Biology sheds light on how the ongoing war in Ukraine has influenced the migratory behavior of greater spotted eagles.
Key Findings of the Study
- The eagles adjusted their flight paths to avoid artillery fire, jets, tanks, and troops in Ukraine.
- They took significant detours to navigate around conflict zones.
- There was a reduction in the number of breaks taken during the journey or avoidance of breaks altogether.
Migratory Routes of Greater Spotted Eagles
Every spring, greater spotted eagles travel from Greece and Sudd in South Sudan to their breeding grounds in Belarus. Females migrate from Greece, while males come from sites in East Africa.
Impact on Wildlife
Lead author Charlie Russell highlighted the devastating impact of the war on both people and the environment. The study provides insights into how conflicts can affect wildlife behavior and fitness.
Russell emphasized that disturbances caused by the war could have long-term consequences on the eagles and other species in the region.
Comparison with Previous Data
The study compared data from birds tracked during the war with information collected from previous years. The analysis revealed that the eagles flew longer distances and took more indirect routes after the war began.
Additionally, fewer birds stopped in Ukraine during the conflict, indicating changes in their migration patterns.
Important stopover sites in Ukrainian Polesia were not utilized by the eagles in 2022, highlighting the significant alterations in their behavior.
