Ornithologists at the University of East Anglia have discovered that eagles whose migration routes pass through our country have changed them to avoid the war zone. Now the birds have to travel 55 hours longer to reach their breeding grounds.
The researchers published their findings in the journal Current Biology.
On average, the eagles' route has increased by 85 km, although ornithologists have recorded deviations that are three times longer.
According to the GPS data obtained by the scientists, since the beginning of the war, the great eagle has not only started flying over the territory of Ukraine, but has also reduced its stops or stopped pausing for rest altogether. Experts said that the greatest deviation of the birds from the direct path was observed in areas where military activity was greater.
Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 90% of eagles made stops, but now only 32% of such birds do. Some places these large birds try to avoid altogether.
However, there were birds that did not betray their usual ways. For example, an eagle nicknamed Borovets continued to fly through Kyiv, despite intense fighting, while another eagle, known as Denisa, changed its route, flying within a kilometer of explosions and fighting on the outskirts of the city.
Scientists fear that significant changes in routes and their significant lengthening may delay the breeding of birds. Birds may need more time to recover, which in turn will affect their chances of survival.
Earlier, EcoPolitic reported that due to the war some species of birds may disappear in Ukraine.
