Effect of the Viral Haemorrhagic Pneumonia of the Wild Rabbit on the diet and breeding success of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaëtos (L.)

Abstract

Since Viral Haemorrhagic Pneumonia (VHP) reached the study area (Upper Ebro Valley, Spain) in 1989, thus reducing the wild rabbit population, a 15 % decline in the proportion of rabbit in the diet and a 50 % decrease in breeding success of the Golden Eagles was noticed. The breeding parameter most affected by the shortage of winter food was the proportion of pairs laying eggs. The number of fledglings per successful pair did not change, probably because of the increased accessibility of sick rabbits in spring (the season when VHP virus is most virulent). Although no population decline has yet been detected in our area, the decreased availability of rabbits and the subsequent fall in eagle’s productivity may have long-term repercussions on Golden Eagle populations in the Mediterranean area.