An investigation has been launched after one of the country’s oldest breeding white-tailed eagles was found dead in Clare.
Initial post-mortem results show Caimin possibly died by poisoning.
He held territory on the Mountshannon nest site on Lough Derg for 17 years, and was one of the first chicks introduced during the Reintroduction Programme, which aimed to bring the formerly extinct species back to Irish skies.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Speaking on the investigation, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD says:
“Any loss in the wild not due to natural causes, is usually the result of human activity and this tragic loss of a wonderfully aged bird, breeding happily in the Irish wild, is deeply regrettable.”
“The Reintroduction Programme had been making significant progress in restoring this lost flagship species to Irish skies. These birds are part of Ireland’s natural heritage and are important for our biodiversity, as they are a good indicator species regarding the health of our ecosystems.”
“We will continue with our efforts to introduce, nurture and protect these birds and I have tasked the NPWS with leaving no stone unturned to try to get to the bottom of this heinous potential crime.”
NPWS Divisional Manager Eamonn Meskell says:
“The knowing destruction of this wonderful bird of prey displays a wanton disregard for our re-introduction and nature protection efforts.”
“These noble birds are beloved of the public and each loss is keenly felt by them and indeed by the staff of NPWS who have nurtured these birds from chicks to fledglings, onto adult life and into successfully breeding pairs. We know we can rely on the public’s help in this investigation”
Anyone with any information in relation to Caimin’s death is asked to contact their local Garda station or their local National Parks and Wildlife Service office.
