SCOTLAND'S iconic bird of prey, the golden eagle, is at risk from illegal poisonings that prevent it becoming established in regions where it should be able to thrive, researchers have found.
Their report shows that numbers of the bird are stable in only three out of 16 regions in Scotland.
Even though many parts of the country have an ideal habitat for the majestic creature, populations are at risk of spiralling into rapid decline.
They are struggling most in regions dominated by grouse moors, where there is evidence they are being poisoned with illegal bait.
Professor Des Thompson, policy and advice manager at Scottish Natural Heritage, which commissioned the report, said the estimated 440 pairs of golden eagle in Scotland would start to plummet unless swift action was taken.
He said there was a dearth of older birds because so many were being poisoned.
"If this pattern continues the population will nosedive because young golden eagles don't breed as successfully as older birds," he said.
"It's a bit like being in a rural area and looking at some of the schools. There are still kids playing in the schools but there are none to come through after them to keep them populated."
The Scotsman has a Stop Them Now campaign to help catch those responsible for killing birds of prey and other wildlife.
The study, A conservation framework for golden eagles, found that in the central and eastern Highlands fewer than half of known golden eagle territories were occupied.
In the Cairngorm mountains, as few as 10 per cent of young eagles may survive long enough to breed.
Prof Thompson said: "I think if this pattern of persecution continues then we will see some further areas being abandoned by golden eagles and that really is bleak.
"The key thing is we try to focus on areas that should be productive for golden eagles.
"We need to concentrate attention there to make sure they are left alone and can produce young."
The environment minister, Michael Russell, said he wanted SNH, the police and land managers to stamp out persecutions. He said: "The golden eagle is a magnificent bird of prey and a key species for Scotland and I find this evidence of its decline deeply disturbing."
Douglas McAdam, chief executive of the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association, said: "Where there's illegal killing of birds of prey of any kind that has to stop. That's a must."
IN NUMBERS 440
Estimated pairs of golden eagles in Scotland.
0
Golden eagles anywhere else in the UK.
3
Regions, out of 16, in Scotland where golden eagle numbers are stable.
86
Vacant golden eagle territories in the central and eastern Highlands.
10
per cent of Cairngorm eagles that survive to breed.
50
Birds of prey known to have been poisoned last year.
