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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sparked by Russia's invasion in 2022, has had unexpected repercussions not just on human lives and geopolitical dynamics but also on wildlife, specifically on the migratory patterns of the greater spotted eagles (Clanga clanga). These majestic raptors, already classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, have been significantly altering their traditional migration routes and behaviors in response to the war zone they traverse annually. This article delves into the findings of recent research published in Current Biology, highlighting how the eagles' movements have been influenced by the conflict, the implications for their conservation, and broader insights into the impact of human conflict on migratory species worldwide.

The greater spotted eagle, a species with a dwindling global population estimated to be fewer than 10,000 individuals, faces multiple threats to its survival, including habitat loss and climate change. However, the study led by environmental scientist Charlie Russell from the University of East Anglia reveals a new dimension to their challenges: the alteration of migration behavior due to war. Typically, these eagles migrate from their wintering grounds in eastern Africa and Greece to breeding sites in northern Ukraine and southern Belarus each spring. The conflict in Ukraine has disrupted this journey significantly.

Russell and his team utilized GPS tracking data from 19 eagles alongside weather conditions and conflict event records to analyze changes in the birds' migration patterns in 2022 compared to previous years. They found that the eagles flew longer distances, deviated more from their usual flight paths, and made fewer stopovers during their journey northward. This alteration in behavior is attributed directly to the increased exposure to conflict zones within Ukraine, where the eagles traditionally pass through en route to their breeding grounds.

Before the conflict, it was customary for a majority of greater spotted eagles to make stopovers for rest and replenishment during migration. However, in 2022, only about 30% of the tracked eagles paused during their journey, compared to approximately 90% in the preceding years. The extended flight times and reduced rest could potentially impact the eagles' breeding success, as exhaustion from prolonged migration may delay breeding or impair their ability to care for offspring.

The study's findings underscore broader concerns about the vulnerability of migratory species to human disturbances, particularly in conflict zones. While anthropogenic factors such as habitat destruction, light pollution, and climate change have long been recognized as threats to wildlife, the direct impact of armed conflict on animal behavior and conservation has received less attention until recent years. This research contributes crucial data to understanding these dynamics and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts that consider not only environmental factors but also geopolitical contexts.

Moreover, the study highlights the importance of mitigating human impacts on migratory routes and habitats critical for species survival. Adham Ashton-Butt, a co-author of the study and senior research ecologist with the British Trust for Ornithology, stresses the significance of these findings for conservation strategies post-conflict. Understanding how disturbances like war affect wildlife can inform targeted conservation actions aimed at protecting species like the greater spotted eagle, whose populations are already under threat from multiple fronts.