Once bountiful in numbers, Egypt’s national animal, the steppe eagle, is facing the unfortunate prospect of extinction, according to recent reports. The steppe eagle is often associated with strength, resolve, and independence, holding cultural and historical significance to Egypt and its people. Although the species is not endemic to Egypt, meaning that it is not the only place it resides, these migratory eagles dominate the Egyptian skies during the winter between October and January. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, these large, well-feathered raptors were thought to be endangered in their northern range only. However, more recent studies show that their population outside Europe is also declining at an alarming rate; By comparing data from 1997 to 2011 and that from 2013 to 2015, scientists now believe that the species’ number has been reduced by more than 50 percent over the past and present three generations period, which spans the years from 2013 to 2027. Unless the threats to the species are effectively mitigated, this decline is projected to persist at a similar rate for the next three generations. Historical Significance As one of…
