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Current Status:

The number of eagles in Indiana has increased 35 percent since 1989. The 1992 winter survey reported a record 101 bald eagles in the State. Threats to the eagle in Indiana continue to be loss of habitat, shooting, trapping, disease, poison, electrocution, and environmental contaminants. Human disturbance is suspected as the cause for reproductive failures and abandonment of wintering areas.

Achievements:

In 1991, two eaglets that hatched in Indiana survived in the wild, the first time this had happened since 1897. In 1992, for the first time ever in Indiana, a captive-bred eaglet was placed in a nest in the wild and accepted by the nesting parents.

Current Recovery Needs:

The bald eagle will need continued monitoring in Indiana, and nesting and winter roosting sites will need continued protection.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

In FY 1992, $16,200 was provided to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for eagle winter habitat assessment. The estimated completion date for the assessment is December 1993.

Partnerships

Indiana Department of Natural Resources: This State agency conducts annual midwinter bald eagle surveys to determine trends and monitors nests continuously.

Columbus Zoo: In cooperation with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the zoo is conducting a captive breeding program for the bald eagle. One eaglet from this program was released to the wild in 1992.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 7/29/83.