NPWS warning on illegal shooting of eagles
Friday, 30 November 2007
Recent reports that wedge-tailed and white-bellied sea eagles have become the target of occasional illegal shooting on the far south coast has prompted the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to issue a reminder that the eagles are protected by law.
This is the second time in just over a year that a reminder has been issued.
NPWS Far South Coast Regional Manager Tim Shepherd said the evidence suggested that both birds were likely to be a friend to the farmer rather than a foe as they were a major predator of rabbits and feral cats.
“There was a view for some time that the wedge-tailed eagle could and would steal lambs and maybe even the odd chook, but the evidence indicates that the benefits of having such big predators far outweighed the negatives.
“The wedge-tailed eagle is the largest bird of prey in Australia and the fourth largest in the world with a wing span of up to 2.5 metres. Their diet consists primarily of rabbits, hares and feral cats, with 25% being carrion.
“Tasmanian studies have shown that it takes the equivalent of 400 rabbits a year for a pair of adult wedge-tails to raise a chick.
“The white-bellied sea eagle, commonly seen on the far south coast, lives mostly on fish and will take water fowl and smaller seabirds, as well as tortoises and rabbits overland. They are seen in the hinterland at times as they follow rivers up-stream in search of food which may include carrion from road kills or carcasses on farms.
“Today the wedge-tailed and white-bellied sea eagles are protected by law. It is a serious offence to kill or harm them and unlike other native animals, as of 2004 you cannot get a license to cull them without ministerial approval.
“These large birds of prey are almost certainly an asset on farms controlling rabbits and other small feral animals and cleaning up carrion.
“If, however, you have a problem with these birds call the NPWS for advice. If you see anyone trying to shoot or trap these birds then call the NPWS immediately,” Mr Shepherd said.
