Distribution and habitat-use patterns of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) population in Estonia. Gunnar Sein Environmental Board ESTONIA
Population size in Estonia
Distribution of Golden Eagle in Estonia
shaded areas = forest+bog
Distribution of Golden Eagle in Estonia
shaded areas = bog
Questions 1. Which size of bogs are Golden Eagles using for breeding? 2. Does open bog area have influence on Golden Eagle habitat selection? 3. How do „bog“ and „forest“ landcover types influence Golden Eagle habitat selection in different spatial scale?
Golden Eagle breeding habitat
Methods and material 1. Spatial scale - „nest bog“↔“random bog“ 2. Variables - size of bog (ha) - „bog“ and „forest“ landcover type (ha) 3. N=36 (territories)
Methods and material 1. Spatial scale - core area (2 km) ↔ home range (5 km) 2. Variables - size of bog (ha) - „bog“ and „forest“ landcover type (ha) 3. N=36 (territories)
Size of bog Golden Eagle prefer large bogs (p<0,001) Spatial scale
Min (ha)
Max (ha)
Median (ha)
Nest bog
292 35
9331 3524
1755 241
Random bog
Percentage of „bog“ and „forest“ biotope inside nest and random bogs Proportion of the „Bog“ biotope have influence for Golden Eagle habitat selection (p=0,038) Type of biotope
Spatial scale
Min (%)
Max (%)
Median (%)
BOG
Nest bog
7
97
87
BOG
Random bog
21
96
84
FOREST
Nest bog
2
61
13
FOREST
Random bog
3
79
17
Percentage of bog and forest biotope inside the „core area“ and „home range“ Golden Eagle prefer to breed deep inside bog areas (p<0,001) Type of boitope
Spatial scale
Min (%)
Max (%)
Median (%)
Bog
Core area
19
96
62
Bog
Home range
6
75
32
Forest
Core area
4
80
32
Forest
Homer ange
15
85
55
Finally Golden Eagle prefer in Estonia to breed in remote and large bog areas as there are better foraging conditions and less disturbance
Thank you!