Why in News?
The Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is recently in the news due to its inclusion in a significant international protection strategy and an unusual surge in its wintering population in India. On March 23, 2026, two major habitats in Rajasthan—Jorbeer Conservation Reserve (Bikaner) and Desert National Park (Jaisalmer)—were officially included in the Global Action Plan for Conservation of the Steppe Eagle (2026–2035).
Key Features
- Classification: A large, bulky raptor belonging to the "booted eagle" subfamily (Aquilinae), characterized by well-feathered legs.
- Conservation Status: Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a population decline exceeding 50% over three generations.
Migration
- Breeding Grounds: Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.
- Wintering Grounds: Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Subcontinent.
- Distance: Known to travel over 10,000 km during migration.
- Unique Nesting: It is the only eagle species in the world that nests primarily on the ground.
- Diet & Scavenging: While they are specialized predators of ground squirrels in their breeding range, they often act as scavengers in India, frequenting garbage dumps and carrion sites.
Physical Features
- Size: Large wingspan exceeding two metres.
- Gape: Features a massive, deep yellow gape-line that extends to the rear of the eye, distinguishing it from the similar Tawny Eagle.
Major Threats
- Electrocution: Collision with unsafe power lines (a primary driver of decline).
- Poisoning: Exposure to veterinary drugs like diclofenac and pesticides.
- Habitat Loss: Fragmentation of vast steppe landscapes due to agriculture and wildfires.
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