Type: report

Article abstract: Golden Eagles are a top predator and, within the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Plan (SD MSCP) area, have territories of 20 to 30 square miles. They have survived by nesting in the most remote parts of the county where they are subject to minimal human disturbance. After 22 years of consistent monitoring and historical data research, we estimate that 32 pairs formerly occupied the San Diego MSCP. Today 11 pairs are still active, 3 are inactive, and 18 pairs have been extirpated. Most of these extirpations occurred in the last 40 years. The 11 breeding pairs of Golden Eagles remaining in the SD MSCP represent 24% of all the breeding Golden Eagles remaining in San Diego County. Seven of the 11 remaining active pairs within the SD MSCP are in serious jeopardy of being extirpated in the next 5 to 10 years. The 3 pairs considered inactive are predicted to become extirpated and may, in fact, already have been lost. As in 2005, WRI recommends the following for the SD MSCP: an annual survey of Golden Eagle breeding territories utilizing a cost-effective approach, using only properly trained and experienced observers for aerial monitoring from helicopters and ground surveys, where necessary; interpretation of the findings within the context of the long history of data that WRI has collected; and annual distribution of the monitoring results to all resource and planning agencies that have a "need to know" so that they may further protect nest sites. We also recommend the examination of proposed private and public land-use changes and human activities for their impact on the remaining Golden Eagles, maintenance of the Golden Eagle Database at WRI, and the consideration of selectively re-introducing (hacking) young eagles into areas where extirpation has occurred but the cause of extirpation has essentially been removed and suitable habitat still exists.