A dedicated analysis of spring and fall migration of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) and Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) in Turkmenistan has never been conducted before. Both species have been considered migratory, although in the last decade some individuals began to overwinter. Wide portions of their flyways pass over Turkmenistan. Both species are more often found and concentrated in the southern half of the country and areas containing an abundance of Great Gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) and Libyan Jird (Meriones erythrourus), especially in population outbreak years. The migrating Imperial Eagle may be encountered almost everywhere, preferring areas in various open habitats in the flat parts of the country. It is difficult to estimate the total number of migrating Imperial Eagles, as well as Steppe Eagles, because it is rarely possible to record them over large areas during migration. We have put together the few known facts: a migrating flock of 26 individuals was recorded on April 28, 1939, near the Karabogazgol Strait (Isakov, Vorobyev, 1940); after detailed observations in 1949–1958 the Imperial Eagle was recorded twice in Badkhyz (Sukhinin, 1971), and only once in 1984–1997 (Bukreev, 1997); 37 Imperial Eagles have been observed in a flyway on October 20, 1976, in the delta of the Murghab River (in the Karakum lowlands), 36 km north of the village of Chashgyn. In the South-Eastern shore of the Caspian Sea there were 2 sightings over the period of 1977–1991: in October 1977 (3 individuals near Maloye Delili Lake) and March 1979 (2 individuals near Cheloyuk settlement) (A.A. Karavaev, unpublished data); In Central Kopetdagh in 1990–2010 this eagle was recorded only 7 times, with 1–2 birds observed each time, for a total of 27 birds (Efimenko, 2010), including once a flock of 9 individuals (Efimenko N.N., unpublished data); In the Western Kopetdagh in 2009–2018 it was also recorded 7 times, usually 1–2 individuals, with one observation of 6 individuals at one time (March 6, 2015) (Khodjamuradov, Rustamov, 2010; 2019). Although Steppe Eagles can be found throughout Turkmenistan, they migrate mostly over the western and southeastern parts of the country. The first flyway is predominantly over the Western Kopetdag and then through Southern Ustyurt (territories surrounding Karabogasgol bay and Sarakamysh lake), while the other goes through the broader Badkhyz corridor further along the edge of the Southeastern Karakum and Karabil to the southern half of the Sundukly Desert (Tallimerjen massif). Individual migrant streams can be traced along the foothills of the Bolshoi Balkhan and Maliy Balkhan, Kopetdag and/or across the Karakums. At the same time, birds can be seen everywhere in small groups and even singly (as if in isolation, but parallel to the main stream), crossing the flat portion of Turkmenistan in a broad front. Compared to the Imperial eagle, there are considerably more recorded sightings of Steppe Eagles (detailed analysis is given in the report).

At present, four eagle species are regular breeders in the Czech Republic: White-Tailed Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila [Clanga] pomarina), and Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). There is also a historical record of confirmed breeding of Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila [Clanga] clanga) in 1847 in the region of Eastern Bohemia. At present, this species is only a rare visitor on autumn and spring passage. White-Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) has re-colonized the country since the mid-1980s, after approx. one hundred years absence as a breeder. The recolonization started at two separate areas: South Bohemia, with birds coming mainly from German and Poland source population, and South Moravia, with birds coming from Pannonia, i.e. mainly from Hungary. Later the species occupied nearly the whole area of suitable habitats. The population is still increasing and currently reaches ca. 160–180 breeding pairs. Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) has bred in the Check Republic for the first time in 1998 (there is one unconfirmed note about its breeding also in 1930s). Since then, the population is slowly growing, similarly as the whole Pannonian population (with source populations mainly in Hungary and Eastern Slovakia). So far, the breeding is limited to Pannonian region of the country (i.e. south-eastern part) but the first pairs have spread north and west during the last years. 23 territorial pairs were monitored in 2023. The Lesser Spotted Eagle (LSE, Aquila [Clanga] pomarina) was never an abundant species in the Czech Republic. Scarce population existed especially in submountainous regions and in the mountains throughout the CR. The last breeding pairs were documented at the end of 1980’s and the beginning of 1990’s in Šumava Mts. After more than 20 years, breeding of LSE was surprisingly confirmed in western Bohemia. Since 2012, one pair breeds there regularly. In 2018, a small new population was discovered in the north of Morava region and currently three pairs breed there. Since 2020, another pair breeds in eastern Bohemia. Presently, two pairs breed in this region but we presume that another 1–2 breeding pairs could be hiding in this region. Therefore, in 2023 we estimate the breeding population of the LSE in the Czech Republic as 6–8 pairs. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) started to breed in Northern Moravia (NE part of the country) in 2013 (similarly as White-Tailed Sea Eagle after more than one hundred years of absence), partly as a result of re-introduction project carried out during 2006–2017 (27 birds originating from Slovakia were released). Along with the growing population size and range expansion in the neighbouring Slovakia, there are now min 5–6 occupied territories in Czech Republic. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a regular passage migrant (both spring and autumn), with some birds oversummering and very rarely also wintering. Historical data about its regular breeding in 19th or even early 20th century are not fully confirmed. Several breeding attempts were recorded also during the last 20 years. These included nest building but the clutch was never laid. Short-Toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) is a very rare visitor in the Czech Republic, but the number of observations seems to increase rapidly during the last 10 years. With the increasing population in Hungary and possibly also Slovakia, its breeding cannot be excluded in the near future.

Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) play a crucial role in the ecosystems of the Bayan-Ulgii province and its neighboring regions. Our research focuses on the comprehensive survey of Golden Eagle nests and study of their migration patterns via the satellite tracking, providing valuable insights into population dynamics and migratory behaviors. In the years 2021 and 2022, we accomplished an extensive search for Golden Eagle eyries across 13 diverse counties in Bayan-Ulgii province, including Altai, Altantsugts, Bayannuur, Bayan-Ulgii, Bugat, Deluun, Erdeneburen, Nogoonnuur, Sagsai, Tolbo, Tsagaannuur, Tsengel, and Ulaankhus. This collaborative effort in partnership with local communities and herders allowed us to identify and document a total of 75 Golden Eagle nests, with 49 being active during this two-year period. To deepen our understanding of these majestic birds, a satellite tracking program was started in September 2019 during the Ulaankhus Eagle Festival. Through GPS tagging, we monitored the migration of five Golden Eagles, previously used in Kazakh falconry and subsequently released. This tracking initiative provided us with valuable data on their movements and behaviors, shedding light on their survival challenges and migration routes. Our research not only contributes to the conservation efforts of Golden Eagles but also enhances our understanding of the interconnectedness of various raptor species within the region, including Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus), Black Kites (Milvus migrans), Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis), Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus), and Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug). The study of these species in their natural habitats enriches our understanding of the intricate ecological dynamics at play. By sharing our findings, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for these iconic birds and promote their conservation in the Bayan-Ulgii province and beyond. Our presentation will highlight the results of our Golden Eagle nest survey and tracking, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in wildlife research and conservation.

Prior to our research, only single cases of wintering of the Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila [Clanga] changa, GSE) in the south of Russia were proved. Wintering of the GSE on the Prikubanskaya plain was first proved for an adult female from the Estonian breeding population, who spent three winters (2018/19, 2019/20, and partially 2020/21) in the same area of the Krasnodar Territory, near the city of Abinsk (Väli et al., 2021; Mischenko et al., 2022). The second case of wintering on the Prikubanskaya plain of a GSE tagged by a transmitter in the north of the Moscow region (the young bird named Oduvanchik) was noted in 2020/2021, also thanks to GPS/GSM telemetry (Mischenko et al., 2021). In 2020 Oduvanchik, after pronounced migration in the south direction, from 21/09 to 23/11 stayed in the area of the city Slavyansk-on-Kuban (Krasnodar Territory). Then he migrated to the western part of the Republic of Adygea, where he stayed for the winter. He spent the winters of 2021/22 and 2022/23 in the same area. On 17–22/11/2021 and 22–25/02/2022, in order to visually detect other GSEs not tagged with transmitters, we conducted a survey of the area of the Prikubanskaya Plain located between the Varnavinsky water reservoir in the west, Krasnodar water reservoir in the east, the city of Slavyansk-on-Kuban in the north, and the city of Abinsk in the south. During the November survey, three birds were visually recorded. During the February survey of this area, in addition to the bird, which, judging by the comparison of the coordinates reported by the transmitter and the observation spot, was most likely Oduvanchik, we visually registered 10 GSEs, 5 of them were recorded simultaneously (Mischenko et al., 2022). Thus, it can be argued that a previously unknown area of stable wintering of GSEs was formed on the territory of the Prikubanskaya plain, which was localized with the help of GSM/GPS telemetry and subsequent targeted field studies. Habitats which were constantly visited by Oduvanchik and Estonian eagle and where all the other birds were visually marked are mainly represented by systems of rice fields with a network of channels. The development of the Kuban floodplain (which began in the mid-1970s) and the creation of a rice-planting system led to a radical change in the entire landscape of the Kuban and, as a consequence, to a change in the conditions of existence of Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus). A uniform alternation of earthen ramparts, convenient for burrowing and movement of brown rats, rice fields, as well as channels on which even in winter these rodents find food – all this contributes to the year-round habitation of the brown rat outside human buildings and the high density of its settlements in rice fields (Rylnikov, Karaseva, 1985). The number of rats in rice fields is many times higher than in natural habitats. Thus, on the banks of the Kuban limans, the number of rats per 100 linear meters was only 0.1–0.2 individuals, whereas on the shafts of rice fields it was 50–100 times higher: up to 10 or more individuals (Karaseva et al., 1986). At the beginning of September, a full preharvest discharge of water is carried out from rice fields. In November – April, the spatial distribution of Brown Rat populations in rice fields acquires a pronounced mosaic character, showing a tendency to crowding, in accordance with the distribution of places convenient for overwintering. During this period, these rodents are concentrated on certain areas of rice fields (with an area 200–300 hectares), where the feeding conditions are most favorable – usually these are places where there is a lot of under-threshed straw left in the fields (Rylnikov, Karaseva, 1985). Rats feel good on rice paddies even in relatively harsh winters, with a decrease in temperature to –5° and the formation of a stable snow cover up to 10 cm. Usually at this time rats openly move on the surface of snow (Karaseva et al., 1986). In winter, Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Rook (Corvus frugilegus), and Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) feed on rice fields (Mischenko et al., 2021; Lokhman, unpublished). However, flocks of these birds are present here irregularly. We assume that the high number, concentration, and constant availability of brown rats throughout the autumn-winter period are one of the main reasons for the formation of a stable wintering area of GSEs in the rice systems of the Prikubanskaya plain. One of the main tasks of further research is to identify limiting factors and potential threats to eagles wintering in this territory.

The eagles sensu lato are a polyphyletic group of large raptors represented in the Palearctic realm by 13 species belonging to two subfamilies: Aquilinae (true Eagles) and Haliaeetinae (Sea Eagles). Phylogenetic position of this group taxa at species level and above based on nuclear and mitochondrial markers is currently clarified (Mindell et al., 2018), while intraspecific variability and genetic differences between subspecies are generally not well understood. This study examined the available mitochondrial DNA sequences from GenBank and BOLD databases, also unpublished sequences obtained by the authors were added. Three markers for which sufficient data is available were selected for analysis: cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) used for DNA-barcoding, cytochrome b (Cyt b), popular in phylogenetic studies, and the hypervariable control region of mtDNA. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using Bayesian Inference, Maximum Likelihood and Neighbor-joining methods, haplotype networks were also constructed. Genetic distances between taxa and time of its divergence were calculated. The obtained results are being discussed in a comparative context at the inter – and intraspecific levels. The possibility of its application and the use of particular genetic markers in general to solve problems of systematics of these species, as well as recent taxonomic changes are considered. The questions of the formation of taxa in the evolution process and their modern distribution in the Palearctic are discussed.

The Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) is a critically endangered species in Israel, with electrocution on power lines posing a serious threat on its population. Since insulation of electricity pylons is a slow and costly process, it is important to prioritize the insulation of the pylons in the network for quick and efficient mitigation of eagle mortality. To determine which pylons need to be retrofitted, we applied a three-stage Maximum Entropy Modeling process for identifying the risk factors among different environmental variables. The results show that the environmental feature with the highest correlation to electrocution events is the distance to water reservoirs, which are foraging hotspots of the eagles in Israel’s arid environment. Unfortunately, the only tall perch available for eagles in the vicinity of many of the reservoirs are the electricity pylons that power the reservoirs’ pumping facilities. This combination of anthropogenic alterations has apparently created a detrimental ecological trap. The strong attractiveness of water reservoirs for the eagles may explain the high level of selectivity that was calculated by the model, suggesting that retrofitting only 3.6% of the pylons in the network would achieve 77% reduction in eagles’ electrocution probability. Moreover, insulating pylons according to the model is expected to achieve a significant remedy for other avian species, among them the Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca) and White-Tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla). Synthesis and applications: The modeling process presented here yielded two electrocution risk maps, one of which is expected to facilitate properly prioritized mitigation of eagle electrocution in the existing power network of Israel, while the second map is designed to support an informed planning of new infrastructures. Applying this approach is expected to substantially aid the conservation of the population and allow it to recover to its initial size, which was three times its current size, about 70 years ago. The work presented here aims to prioritize the mitigation of raptor electrocution in arid and semi-arid areas, geographic zones that are largely under-studied in relation to this mortality factor. Electrocution in arid areas is of a particular concern in many developing countries, where networks of distribution lines are rapidly growing and raptor electrocution rate is high. The modeling approach presented in this study can be applied in these arid developing countries to mitigate raptor electrocution, aiding their conservation.

The White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is a rare species with declining numbers listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. In the Turkestan Region it is present during migration and wintering periods with the earliest sighting on September 10 (2018), and the latest on March 23 (2021) (Koksarai Reservoir, Gubin, 2020). Since 2003, wintering birds have been regularly observed on water bodies. Initially, counts were conducted

The Hungarian population of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is closely monitored by MME BirdLife Hungary and the ranger service of the Hungarian national park directorates since 1980. The population is slowly, but continuously increasing during the last four decades and the average population growth rate is 11% and the number of estimated nesting population has increased from 230–240 pairs (2018) to 400–450 (2023). The distribution area is also still expanding to the south and the species colonised new areas especially in Bács-Kiskun, Csongrád and Győr-Moson-Sopron counties, but even spread to Serbia and Romania. The breeding density also increased in the core areas of the breeding range especially in Heves, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok and Békés counties, which hold the most important stronghold of the species in the Pannonian basin. Besides, the average breeding success also increased to 1.54 fledgling/breeding pair and 1.91 fledgling/successful pair by 2022. The prevalence of raptor poisoning incidents decreased and were kept at a relatively low level between 2014–2022 thanks to specific and complex conservation measures with the help of the EU’s LIFE Nature programme (HELICON and PannonEagle LIFE projects). Due to the significant increase of the population and the limited capacity of the working group, the national monitoring protocol has been changed in 2023. The key parameters of the national population (i.e. no. of nesting pairs, no. of chicks) is still monitored by the ranger service of the Hungarian national park directorates. On the other hand, the complex monitoring program of MME BirdLife Hungary, which is gathering detailed data on breeding performance (including ringing and drone surveillance, diet and genetic analyses) is focusing only on selected sample areas, which recently covers 50% of the population (ca. 200 pairs).