Serbian Eagles Soar Back from Single Breeding Pair

In one of Europe's most dramatic conservation success stories, Serbia's eastern imperial eagles have soared back from the brink of extinction. From just one breeding pair surviving in 2017, the population has exploded to 19 breeding pairs in 2025, demonstrating that dedicated community action can reverse even the most dire conservation scenarios.

The remarkable recovery stems from intensive efforts by the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia, which refused to accept extinction as inevitable. The organisation implemented comprehensive monitoring programs, rescued injured birds for rehabilitation, and launched community awareness campaigns that transformed local attitudes toward these magnificent raptors.

Eastern imperial eagles, with their distinctive white shoulder patches and two-metre wingspan, once soared across Serbia's plains and forests in healthy numbers. Habitat destruction, illegal poisoning campaigns targeting perceived livestock threats, and collision with power lines had reduced the population to catastrophic levels by the 2010s.

The conservation team's approach combined scientific rigour with grassroots community engagement. They worked with farmers to understand and address livestock concerns, installed bird-safe power line equipment, and created protected nesting sites. Perhaps most importantly, they helped local communities see eagles as symbols of natural heritage rather than agricultural threats.

The success provides hope for other critically endangered European raptors and demonstrates that targeted conservation efforts can achieve remarkable results even with limited resources. The Serbian model is now being studied by conservationists across the Balkans seeking to replicate similar recoveries.

Key Facts

• Population increased 1,900% from 1 to 19 breeding pairs (2017-2025)
• Eastern imperial eagles can live up to 20 years in the wild
• Wingspan reaches up to 2.16 metres, making them among Europe's largest raptors
• Species listed as Vulnerable globally but Near Threatened in Europe
• Conservation program operated on annual budget under €50,000

Why This Matters

Eastern imperial eagles once ranged across much of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, but populations have declined dramatically due to habitat loss and human persecution. The species faces particular challenges in the Balkans, where economic transitions have led to agricultural intensification and reduced tolerance for wildlife that might compete with livestock.

Serbia's conservation success contrasts sharply with trends across much of the species' range, where populations continue declining despite legal protection. The country's approach emphasises working with rural communities rather than imposing external conservation mandates, creating sustainable protection that doesn't depend on constant outside intervention.

What We Don't Know Yet

The population remains extremely small and vulnerable to catastrophic events or disease outbreaks. Climate change may alter prey availability and nesting habitat suitability. Economic development pressures in Serbia could threaten the agricultural landscapes these eagles depend on. The conservation program requires continued funding and community engagement to maintain current progress.

Published February 24, 2026 · Category: Environment & Climate