Project duration: 02/2026 – 01/2027

Status: ON-GOING

The challenge

Bonelli’s eagles (Aquila fasciata) found on Pentadaktylos mountain range are in threat due to a declining population. Although an action plan has been established for the species in Europe, in the northern part of Cyprus, several Important Bird Areas (IBAs) that include critical Bonelli’s eagle nesting and foraging grounds have not yet been declared as Special Protection Areas (SPAs), despite this issue persisting for over a decade. During Phase 1 of the BonBon Track project, four Bonelli’s eagles were tagged from nests, marking the first such study for the species in this region. Out of the four tags applied, three are currently out of order due to bird loss and equipment failure, while one is still operational as the eagle approaches adulthood.

 

The Solution

During Phase 2, monitoring efforts will be increased by adding five extra GPS tags, allowing the observation of different nest sites simultaneously by the KUŞKOR team. Furthermore, the project team will deepen its understanding on the species’ distribution and habitat use. It will also address significant threats through a public education campaign focused on the risks of electrocution and a screening of the award winning short documentary produced during phase 1. These efforts would not only benefit Bonelli’s eagles but would also support all raptor species in the region.

 

Project’s deliverables

• Monitoring of the Bonelli’s eagle by adding 5 GPS tags on chicks from different nesting sites before fledging.
• AL lobbing and awareness raising campaign. Professionally produced material against illegal poisoning and electrocution threats for birds and about the importance of the declaration of Pentadaktylos mountain range as SPA will be prepared and widely disseminated on social media platforms.

A bit about the Organization

KUŞKOR, The Society for Protection of Birds and Nature, is among the longest-established conservation NGOs on the island and has been operating since 1988. The organization’s activities have focused on conservation through research, education, and advocacy for protection of bird habitats. Core conservation programs include identification, monitoring and protection of key habitats as Important Bird Areas, and conservation projects focused on specific flagship species such as European roller, Bonelli’s eagle and audouin’s gull. KUŞKOR have been monitoring Bonelli’s eagle for over ten years and in collaboration with UK raptor experts, established a colour-ringing project to study the behaviour of the species more closely in 2022.

* This project is co-funded by Skipstone Philanthropic Foundation.