Martial Eagle
Polemaetus bellicosus
Conservation Status
EndangeredAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The martial eagle is a large eagle native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the only member of the genus Polemaetus. A species of the booted eagle subfamily (Aquilinae), it has feathers over its tarsus. One of the largest and most powerful species of booted eagle, it is a fairly opportunistic predator that varies its prey selection between mammals, birds and reptiles. It is one of few eagle species known to hunt primarily from a high soar, by stooping on its quarry. This species, an inhabitant of wooded belts of otherwise open savanna, has shown a precipitous decline in the last few centuries due to a variety of factors. The martial eagle is one of the most persecuted bird species in the world. Due to its habit of taking livestock and regionally valuable game, local farmers and game wardens frequently seek to eliminate martial eagles, although the effect of eagles on this prey is almost certainly considerably exaggerated. Currently, the martial eagle is classified with the status of Endangered by the IUCN.
Fun Fact
Martial Eagles are powerful enough to knock a man off his feet and have been recorded killing animals as large as young baboons.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Forests locally in areas
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
14 years
Threats
- Persecution and Shooting
- Habitat Loss and Woodland Clearance
- Prey Depletion
- Slow Reproductive Rate