The Iberian Imperial Eagle, once on the brink of extinction, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in Spain, thanks to extensive conservation efforts. In the 1980s, fewer than 40 pairs of this endemic species were recorded, prompting urgent action from naturalists and conservationists.
Over the years, coordinated conservation strategies, legal protections, and funding from the EU's LIFE program have significantly boosted the eagle's population. By 2021, the number of Iberian Imperial Eagles reached 841 pairs, with hopes for exceeding a thousand by the end of 2024.
Despite this success, challenges remain. The primary threats to the species include collisions with power lines and illegal poisoning, which still account for significant mortality rates. Additionally, climate change poses a growing risk, exacerbating droughts and wildfires in critical habitats like the Doñana National Park.
As the population stabilizes and grows, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reclassified the species from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable', highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts to ensure its future.