The carcasses of these birds were found near a farmstead, alongside four other protected animals, including two crows, one kookaburra, and one other species of raptor.
Given the number and scale of animal deaths, preliminary investigations suggest that this was a deliberate act of killing, making it the most serious case of illegal bird trapping in the state's history. The case has been given high priority, and an investigation was launched immediately.
At the time, the investigation was extensive, involving dozens of staff members conducting a statewide inquiry, exploring various methods to bring the perpetrators to justice.
However, after three months of intense effort, the only outcome was the discovery of more bodies of wedge-tailed eagles, with no sign of the culprit.
In September 2018, amidst a dead end, a 59-year-old farm worker voluntarily turned himself in.
He confessed to poisoning birds in the eastern region of Gipsland between October 2016 and April 2018.
According to him, he was urged by the farm owner (his employer) to inject poisonous substances into the necks of already dead lambs. These wedge-tailed eagles died from consuming the poisoned lamb meat, and the poisoning occurred on more than one occasion.
He decided to confess because he had a dispute with his employer and was subsequently dismissed. His confession was motivated by a desire for revenge.
Based on his confession, combined with a genuine investigation, it was revealed that a staggering 406 wedge-tailed eagles had died, with 366 in 2017 and 40 in 2018.
The Wedge-tailed Eagle, scientifically known as Aquila audax, is Australia's largest bird of prey and is a protected species under local wildlife laws.
According to regulations, individuals who intentionally kill these birds can face fines of up to $8000 AUD and a maximum of 6 months in prison. An additional fine of $800 AUD per bird is imposed for each killed eagle.
Under these regulations, a man was found guilty of killing 406 Wedge-tailed Eagles, which could have resulted in a maximum fine of $332,800 AUD and additional jail time.
However, the man was sentenced to only 14 days in prison and fined $2500 USD (approximately $3800 AUD). His employer, who was complicit, received a 12-month community correction order and 100 hours of unpaid community work.
This man became the first person in Australia to be imprisoned for harming Wedge-tailed Eagles.
Animal welfare organizations criticized the leniency of the sentence, stating it was too light. Perhaps due to this, future punishments are expected to be more severe.
Reportedly, in 2021, individuals found guilty of intentionally misusing pesticides could face fines of up to $60,000 USD, while companies could face fines of up to $120,000 USD, with the possibility of imprisonment for severe cases.
Despite the increasing severity of penalties, such poisoning incidents have not decreased but rather increased!
So why do these individuals risk such hefty penalties to kill these birds?
The answer lies in their own assets—the lambs on their farms.
Recent Study: Misconception That Wedge-tailed Eagles Prefer Eating Lambs
Farmers have long regarded wedge-tailed eagles as one of the biggest threats to their farms, especially when the value of wool and lambs is on the rise. They often think:
"If I don't kill it, it will kill my lambs and eat them!"
Over time, farmers' hatred towards wedge-tailed eagles has become deeply ingrained, and the belief that "wedge-tailed eagles like eating lambs" has persisted.
However, scientists have recently discovered that the notion of wedge-tailed eagles preferring to eat lambs is indeed a misconception after conducting extensive research.
In one experiment, scientists equipped wedge-tailed eagles with solar-powered satellite tracking devices to monitor their movements and understand their diet.
The results showed that the actual predation rate of lambs by wedge-tailed eagles is extremely low, with less than 1% of lamb deaths attributed to them.
Their diet primarily consists of rabbits, accounting for over 70% of their prey, with an extreme high of 92%, followed by carrion (animal carcasses).
So why do people continue to misunderstand wedge-tailed eagles?
The Wedge-tailed Eagle may indeed give off a menacing impression.
Firstly, it has the capability to prey on lambs;
It is the largest raptor in Australia, with a wingspan of up to 2.32 meters and weighing up to 5.8 kilograms.
At the same time, it is equipped with the typical raptor's beak and talons, hard and sharp, capable of piercing bone with a single strike.
With such physical prowess, it is entirely capable of preying on slightly larger mammals. While hunting fully grown animals might pose a challenge, there is no pressure when it comes to hunting smaller prey like lambs, small kangaroos, kittens, puppies, and wild rabbits.
Furthermore, it is an opportunistic predator, feeding on carrion as well as on its own kind;
As a raptor, the wedge-tailed eagle is an opportunist, scavenging carrion when live prey is scarce.
People often observe wedge-tailed eagles feeding on roadkill, such as kangaroos hit by cars, and occasionally on the carcasses of other birds.
They are often seen sharing with other members of the crow family, creating an image of greed and bloodiness!
Most importantly, wedge-tailed eagles do indeed prey on lambs.
Ian Vanderbrook, a farmer, once witnessed his two lambs being killed by wedge-tailed eagles in just 15 minutes.
Another farmer reported seeing a wedge-tailed eagle land on a lamb, using its sharp beak and talons to peck at the lamb's head.
However, scientists note that wedge-tailed eagles typically target sick or genetically defective lambs, and attacks on healthy lambs are rare.
Sometimes, ewes themselves are weak, giving birth to unhealthy lambs that become prey for wedge-tailed eagles, as animals are quick to detect signs of weakness.
In reality, some lambs are born weak and unable to survive, but farmers often blame wedge-tailed eagles for all lamb deaths, deepening their resentment.
In conclusion, Wedge-tailed eagles aren't as fond of lambs as people might think; they prefer rabbits instead. This makes sense considering the rampant rabbit population across Australia. For these eagles, it's an all-you-can-eat buffet with rabbits being the preferred choice due to their size. Even if rabbits aren't available, they'll resort to scavenging carrion. Only when neither option is available will they turn to hunting other animals, including newly born lambs that are either stillborn or weak. Due to various factors, the population of Wedge-tailed eagles in Australia is declining. Therefore, Australia has been actively promoting and educating the public, aiming for a harmonious coexistence with these majestic birds.
