Cash claims to sea eagle damage fund rise as population increases
Scotland’ s sea eagle population increase has seen applications to a fund to support farmers and crofters with damage and predation costs rise by more than 10 per cent amid calls for a better long-term plan.
Naturescot’s Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS) extends support for livestock farmers and crofters whose lambs are preyed on by the birds of prey. The sea eagle, otherwise known as the white tailed eagle, was reintroduced in the 1970s on the Isle of Rum on the west coast.
The reintroduction of the species, which had been driven to extinction from persecution, has been hailed as one of the most successful given the growth in the population of the birds. re wilding britain claim today there are some 152 pairs of sea eagles in Scotland.
But with the rising population of the UK’S largest bird of prey, which has a wingspan that can reach up to 8ft, come consequences for livestock farmers.
The SEMS saw a further 21 applications this year, which has brought the total number of famers using the support to 206. Naturescot said it recognises the sea eagles can cause economic impacts to farms and crofts.
A spokesperson for the government agency said: “We expect more interest in the scheme as sea eagles increase in number and move to new areas, and we encourage farmers and crofters to come to us for advice and support.”
The birds were re introduced on the west coast, but pairs are taking residency further inland, including the Cairngorms, and to the east coast of the country.
John Fyall, who farms near Dingwall, in the east of the Highlands, is one of the first people to have captured a sea eagle killing a lamb on camera.
The area is a new territory for the bird, which he said points to how much they are expanding across the country.
Mr Fyall told The Scotsman while the bird was an impressive sight, he had lost up to 40 lambs this year alone to sea eagle predation. he said :“this an area which has a lot of farm land and is under full daylight observation.”
Earlier, the Scottish Government announced up to £400,000 had been allocated to the SEMS to help farmers explore different management techniques and trial new prevention measures.