Status of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos in Sicily

The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Sicily predominantly occupies the northern ridge of the island, from the Trapani mountains to the Peloritani range, with a notable absence in the southeastern region. Habitat preference modeling revealed that mean altitude, slope, and the extent of open habitats—such as arable land and grasslands—are critical predictors for the species' occurrence. This study synthesizes historical records, breeding phenology data, and conservation project findings to map the eagle's distribution and habitat preferences across Sicily, providing insights into its ecological requirements and potential threats.

Sarà, M., Bondì, S., Giardina, G., Saitta, G., Surdo, S., & Zanca, L. (2017). Status of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos in Sicily. Avocetta, 41(2). https://doi.org/10.30456/avo.2017214