30/06/2025
The Wedge-tailed Eagle (*Aquila audax*) is Australia’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan up to 2.8 meters. Found across mainland Australia and Tasmania, it inhabits diverse environments, from forests to open plains. These powerful raptors hunt mammals, birds, and carrion, playing a vital ecological role as apex predators. Despite their adaptability, Wedge-tailed Eagles face threats such as habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and secondary poisoning from baiting programs targeting invasive species. They are also vulnerable to electrocution on power lines and illegal shooting. Currently classified as **Least Concern** by the IUCN, their population is considered stable but declining in some regions. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, mitigation of powerline risks, and public education to reduce persecution. In Tasmania, they are listed as **Endangered** due to historical persecution and smaller population size. Continued monitoring and targeted conservation measures are essential to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic Australian species.
