Eagles and Sheep: A Viewpoint

Abstract

The controversy regarding golden eagle predation on lambs in the Southwest was addressed using winter eagle population data from Texas and eastern New Mexico, eagle food habits information, and lamb mortality data. The sum of this review indicates that too few lambs are eaten as prey to justify presecution of golden eagles for the presumptive enhancement of livestock production. An inquiry concerning brush cover and carnivore food habits suggests that lagomorphs, a staple in golden eagle diets, decline as usable food for carnivores where brush prevails on lambing ranges.