Scientists map DNA of golden eagle

Scientists have completed a DNA map of the golden eagle that will help to explain how the bird is adapted to specific climates, habitats or food. Conservationists hope to use this information to create new populations of the bird in southern Scotland.

There are about 500 breeding pairs of golden eagles in Britain, largely restricted to the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The bird is the first of 25 species found in Britain whose DNA will be sequenced as part of the 25 Genomes Project.

There are also plans to map the DNA of the red squirrel so that the project can answer questions on why our native species is vulnerable to the squirrel pox virus, unlike the North American grey.