Gardaí lead investigation into deaths of Sea Eagles

Gardaí and wildlife officials were today investigating whether two rare White Tailed Sea Eagles found dead in Kerry were poisoned.

The huge birds of prey found dead yesterday were among 15 chicks released into the wild last summer at Killarney National Park despite protests from local farmers.

Fitted with trackers, suspicions were aroused about the eagles’ welfare after radio signals stopped on an isolated stretch of the Iveragh Peninsula.

It is unclear how they died but the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) confirmed they had not been shot.

“The two were found dead in Co Kerry. They will be sent for testing to confirm whether poisons were used,” a spokesman said.

John Gormley, Minister for the Environment and Green Party leader, said he was concerned about the deaths.

“I understand that they were adapting well to their new environment so this is unhappy news,” he said.

The NPWS and Kerry gardaí are investigating and post mortems, including x-ray and toxicology tests, will be carried out on the birds.

The birds, which became extinct in Ireland more than 100 years ago after decades of hunting, are known to scavenge on the carcasses of dead fish and animals. It is feared the eagles could have accidentally eaten poison.

The minister banned the use of meat baits for poisoning or catching pest birds last month amid fears they kill rare birds and disrupt the re-introduction schemes.

It is the latest blow to Government-backed wildlife projects aimed at re-introducing birds of prey to parts of the country. Last year one of the 30 Red Kites released into the Wicklow mountains was found shot dead.

The Sea Eagle was once common in Ireland but died out after being trapped and shot in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Fifteen birds from Norway were released in a five-year project. Even though 30 farmers protested on the day of their release the Department of the Environment said the local farming community, landowners and public were extremely supportive.

An adult bird can grow up to 100cm (3.3 feet) long with a 250cm (8.3 feet) wingspan. It preys on fish, birds, carrion and occasionally small mammals.

International researchers identified Co Kerry as the best place in Ireland to re-introduce the birds because of the unique rugged coastline habitat.

The project follows the success of the Golden Eagle project in Donegal which has been running for six years.