Eastern Imperial Eagle Spotted at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Wildlife enthusiasts have confirmed the presence of the rare Eastern Imperial Eagle at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) during the ongoing winter migratory season. The sighting highlights the growing importance of the reserve as a critical wintering habitat for migratory birds of prey visiting the Indian subcontinent.

Rare Raptor Sighting in the Nilgiris

A pair of Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca) was recently sighted at MTR by wildlife photographer Murali Moorthy. One photograph notably captured an Imperial Eagle alongside an endangered Egyptian vulture, making the observation particularly significant. The Eastern Imperial Eagle breeds mainly across Western and Central Asia and migrates in winter to parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South and East Asia. Its appearance in Mudumalai aligns with known winter migration patterns.

Why Mudumalai Attracts Raptors

According to Arockianathan Samson of the Bombay Natural History Society, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve offers ideal conditions for raptors. Long-term studies conducted between 2011 and 2022 documented 58 raptor species within the reserve. The combination of open grasslands, forest edges, tall trees for nesting, and abundant prey makes MTR highly suitable. Raptors also favour landscapes with minimal anthropogenic pressure, something Mudumalai still largely provides.

Ecological Importance of the Imperial Eagle

The Eastern Imperial Eagle is a top predator and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating rodent and small mammal populations. During the breeding season, it prefers forest-steppe habitats with scattered trees and open hunting grounds, stretching from Eastern Europe through Central Asia to Siberia and north-western China. Habitat loss, human disturbance, and declining prey availability threaten the species across its range, making protection of both breeding and wintering areas essential.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Eastern Imperial Eagle scientific name: Aquila heliaca.
• It is a winter migratory raptor to India.
• Top predator indicating a healthy ecosystem.
• Prefers forest-steppe and open landscapes with tall nesting trees.

Conservation Concerns and Tourism Pressure

Repeated records on the global birding platform eBird from 2020 to 2025 confirm that the Imperial Eagle regularly winters at Mudumalai, with most sightings between November and February. Conservationists have welcomed the influx of winter migrants this year, including increased numbers of Greater Spotted Eagles. However, they have urged the Forest Department and Nilgiris district administration to regulate tourist numbers. Rising tourism pressure, especially during peak seasons, could threaten sensitive habitats that support both resident wildlife and long-distance migratory birds, underlining the need for a sustainable tourism policy at MTR.