Photo by George Andrejko

Golden Eagle Management

The golden eagle population in the western United States has been recently estimated at around 30,000 animals (USFWS 2008).  In Arizona, very little information exists about the population size, habitats, habits, or basic vital rates. The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program is asking for the public to report information on golden eagles to GoldenEagle@azgfd.gov as part of a "Citizen Scientist" effort. 

The department is looking for golden eagle nest locations and sightings to help refine the state population estimates. Since it is currently unknown if the golden eagle in Arizona migrates during the non-breeding season, biologists would like to narrow the sighting information to the breeding season only (March to July). However, nests can be reported at any time.

The Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program will use any and all information obtained to survey and document golden eagle distribution throughout the state.  As more data is collected, the department will embark on a monitoring protocol to assess vital rates (i.e. productivity, nest area dispersal, home range, survivorship, etc.) to better manage the species in the future.