A Short-toed Snake Eagle, a majestic bird of prey native to Mediterranean landscapes, has completed an extraordinary 4,500-kilometre migration, flying from Italy’s Maremma Park all the way to Mali, crossing through France and Spain before reaching the heart of West Africa.
The Story of a Surprising Flight
Until mid-July, the eagle was flying around its nest inside Maremma Regional Park, where it had been tagged and fitted with a GPS as part of the Marenat project, coordinated by Giampiero Sammuri and funded by Italy’s National Research Council (CNR) through Pnrr resources. The project aims to protect marine biodiversity, also supporting broader conservation efforts in protected areas.
“It was a great surprise for all of us to see the route taken by the bird, which just a few months ago was still near its nest,” said Simone Rusci, president of the park. “Thanks to our work, we were able to observe and record the eagle’s annual migration from Europe to Africa, following a route through France and Spain.”
Teamwork Between Science and Passion
The tracking operation was led by the company Il Piviere, in collaboration with Maremma Park’s historical group Falco pescatore, which had also handled the ringing and GPS tagging of the bird.
The Short-toed Snake Eagle, which is larger than the Common Buzzard, is known for its light plumage and impressive wingspan. It feeds almost exclusively on snakes and usually nests on tall trees in open areas, just like the one chosen within the park. During migration, it can travel more than 100 kilometres per day, undertaking a long journey south in autumn before returning to Europe in spring.
A Symbol of Biodiversity Worth Protecting
This migration story is more than just a natural marvel—it’s a symbol of successful wildlife conservation. The efforts of dedicated volunteers and professionals have highlighted the value of scientific monitoring as a powerful tool in protecting vulnerable species and understanding their behaviours across continents.