# Reintroduction of white-tailed eagles puts seabird colonies at risk of wipeout, say experts

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/reintroduction-of-white-tailed-eagles-puts-seabird-colonies-at-risk-of-wipeout-say-experts/
- Published: 2026-11-08T08:00:35+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T08:20:41+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/nov/08/reintroduction-white-tailed-eagles-seabird-colonies-risk-england-wales
- Topics: UK, World

## Key points

- Experts warn eagles could harm seabird colonies.
- Plans include up to 60 releases in Gwent.
- Project leaders expect seven to nine breeding pairs in ten years.

## Summary

Conservationists are divided over plans to reintroduce more white-tailed eagles in England and Wales, with opponents warning that the birds could drive down endangered seabird numbers and wipe out some colonies. The debate centres on balancing the recovery of a native predator against the protection of seabirds, especially around the Welsh islands of Skomer and Skokholm.

The proposals include releasing up to 60 eagles in Gwent, alongside 20 young birds due to be released on Exmoor over three years. Britain’s seabird populations have fallen by a fifth in the past five years, though those in south Wales are relatively healthy. The Gwent project’s leader says it aims for seven to nine breeding pairs within ten years and expects no significant impact on any one species; he cites research in which birds of conservation concern made up about 1% of identified prey in an eagle diet study.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.