Nepal has small population of Indian Spotted Eagle and believed to have 30-70 individuals. Since 2016 we are studying Indian Spotted Eagle using various methods such as nest survey (both visual observation and using camera traps), and GPS tracked of birds. We found these birds extensively forage over the farmland habitats (over 75%), home range area is farmlands. Their main diet during breeding season is Frogs (>70%), which are common in the farmlands during the monsoon time (Gurung et al 2019). Heavy use of pesticide (Organophosphates) during the peddy plantation in monsoon has high impact to this species due to contamination with its main diet.
Farmlands of Lumbini is the important habitat of this species and in the past we monitored 5 nests and the breeding success was very low (<30%).
Low breeding success is contamination of diet, disturbances from local people, logging of nesting trees etc. Thus we believe this species is still in risk in Nepal.
Therefore, I request not to downgrade this species into NT status.
Ref.
Gurung, S., Subedi, T.R., Virani, M., Buij, R., Thomsett, S., Baral, H.S. and Chaudhary, D., 2019. Prey Item Selection and Prey Delivery of Indian Spotted Eagle during Chick‐Rearing Period in Nepal. In Proceeding of The 11th Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (pp 42 – 49). ISBN: 978‐602‐294‐396‐9. Udayana University Press Bali, Indonesia.
Insights from a systematic survey in the Northern Deccan.
An ongoing project at NCF focuses on generating bird data in regions where citizen science data is lacking. The current region of focus is the Northern Deccan. We did not find any individual of the species despite intensive sampling in the region.
The total effort in the systematic survey was : 11,376 minutes (approximately 190 hours), covering a distance of 117.19 km across all habitats (Woodland, Cropland, Open Natural Ecosystems, Villages, Wetlands and Rivers).
Apart from this, we explored other areas and continued observing birds throughout the day. We also reported interesting birds (incidental eBird checklists) while driving to the grids or other habitats.
Therefore, the Indian Spotted Eagle is very rare in the Northern Deccan region.
In addition to the sampling mentioned here. We also sampled in villages
Details: 2 stationary counts/village · 10 min each · 100 m apart
Effort: 68 checklists · 680 mins
Threats in the Indian Subcontinent are high, as per other reviewers, and the fragile Cambodian population is at risk due to loss of habitat, nest robbery and likely threats similar to those in the Subcontinent. Stronger conservation action is needed. Downlisting, which is based on incomplete understanding of population size and trend, will hinder conservation and put the species at further risk.
After reviewing the species account, I am concerned that a potentially inaccurate understanding of the habitat requirements of the Indian Spotted Eagle (Clanga hastata) may be influencing recent assessments, particularly its downlisting. Based on current knowledge and field observations, this species is not primarily associated with forest or woodland habitats. While it may occasionally use woodland edges and requires large trees for nesting, these nesting sites are typically situated in open landscapes (incl. croplands and wetlands) rather than within dense forest.
Consequently, deforestation rates may have limited relevance to the species’ current trajectory. On the other hand, threats in open natural ecosystems (ONEs) and croplands are likely to have a much greater impact, yet these are underrepresented or entirely missing from existing threat assessments. In India, significant pressures are acting on such open habitats—including large-scale reclamation of semi-arid lands often misclassified as “wastelands,” and widespread infrastructure development like solar farms aimed at meeting renewable energy targets. Similar threats are detailed in the Indian Courser account and are equally pertinent here. A relevant study mapping India’s semi-arid ONEs can be found here:
Mapping the distribution and extent of India’s semi-arid open natural ecosystems https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.14471
Additionally, the key nesting studies of the Indian Spotted Eagle do not originate from deciduous forests, further indicating its association with open habitats:
In contrast to the migratory and Vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga), which is relatively stable in the wetlands of peninsular India, the Indian Spotted Eagle exhibits different dietary preferences. The Greater Spotted Eagle preys heavily on large waterbirds—a group generally considered stable per the State of India’s Birds (2023). The Indian Spotted Eagle, however, relies on rodents and herpetofauna (see breeding biology papers quoted above)—elements of the food chain that are more vulnerable to environmental contaminants and are possibly in decline.
Personal observations from the Hosakote IBA near Bangalore support this concern, I think. Between 2013 and 2016, sightings of up to half a dozen individuals in a day were common, with roosts occasionally exceeding 12 birds. However, after 2020, reports have declined drastically, with the species now rarely observed. This sharp decline appears especially pronounced around urban fringes, even where habitat structure remains unchanged, suggesting possible disruption in the food chain, potentially due to contamination from, may be, urban waste dumping. All these need more in-depth studies.
Finally, historical records and assessments of the species’ status and distribution must be treated cautiously due to extensive past identification errors. The Indian Spotted Eagle was formerly lumped with the Lesser Spotted Eagle, and earlier field guides often described features of the latter. As a result, even expert ornithologists misidentified Indian Spotted Eagles into the early 2000s, frequently confusing them with other Aquila species such as the Steppe Eagle. Proper field identification only stabilized post-2005, becoming more widespread around 2010. An example of such early misidentification is preserved here:
This is because of the large LCI-RCI band associated with the trends.
Even if there was a conclusive trend, SoIB 2023 would not have projected the Current Annual Trend to three generations as the 3-GEN period (28.4 years) is considered (by SoIB2023) too high for extrapolation from a 7-year interval (see methods of SoIB 2023).
However, we think this particular information may be sought before down-listing – with a question like this
Is it reasonable to infer that the population declines of Indian Spotted Eagle across its range is below 30% (under Criteria A) ?
Due to the long generation length, it is worthwhile noting that an annual decline of 1.25% (i.e., 100 birds becoming 98 or 99 birds in one year) is sufficient to hit the 30% threshold for Vulnerable under Criteria A.
Perhaps, this topic may be put to ‘Pend’ to collect that information?
I have been studying raptors of Western India since almost two decades and the status of Indian spotted eagle in Gujarat and also mostly Rajasthan is not of a resident. Majority of all sightings in the region is only in month of winters.
Ebird data during breeding season shows significant difference in the distribution range. Also there are few birds which are reported from different areas of north-western india which are also likely the sub-adult birds and not the adult breeding birds.
Therefore the map given in the justification shows incorrect representation of the correct status of the species distribution and its breeding range.
It is still considered as an uncommon species throughout the Indian subcontinent except a few regions having high breeding population while many other areas may have small breeding population.
I also agree with all the above comments on the habitat preference of open areas and food preference of rodents and reptiles with increasing use of pesticides possess significant threats to the species.
With insufficient data available it is best kept as vulnerable instead of lowering the status to near threatened.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments until 25 April 2025. We will now analyse and interpret the information, and we will post a preliminary decision on this species’ Red List category on this page on 25 April 2025, when discussions will re-open.
We thank all those that have taken the time to comment above and share their observations. The information provided on threats, distribution, habitat requirements, and regional declines will be incorporated into the updated species factsheet.
It has been suggested that this species be ‘maintained’ as Vulnerable. However, the current category and criteria cannot be maintained because the species is listed as Vulnerable C2a(ii), an assessment requiring that 100% of mature individuals are in a single subpopulation. With a highly disjunct resident population in Cambodia, this is evidently not the case.
Concern has been raised that the population trend relies disproportionately on forest cover loss data. Forest cover loss was only one aspect (of many) used to inform plausible rates of decline and is used to define the minimum (9-12% over three generations) rate. Impacts from pesticides, collisions, and the loss of nesting trees are also cited as additional threats that are plausibly driving additional declines, but there is no evidence that the rate exceeds 30% over three generations, and the initial designation of Near Threatened under Criteria A2cd+3cd+4cd stands. However, the final assessment will clarify that forest cover loss is not the primary threat driving declines.
Additionally, it is recognised that the population size is plausibly small (<10,000) but there are currently no surveys or information that allow a reliable estimation of population size (the minimum standard of evidence required for listing as threatened under Criterion C as per the IUCN Guidelines).
There is now a period for further comments until the final deadline on 4 May 2025, after which the recommended categorisations will be put forward to IUCN.
The final 2025 Red List categories will be published on the BirdLife and IUCN websites in October 2025, following further checking of information relevant to the assessments by both BirdLife and IUCN.
Concrete evidence is needed to show that Cambodia has different subpopulations. Threats to the Indian Spotted Eagle are increasing everywhere, but it is a worrying situation that scientific organisations are proposing to downgrade the species’ status just based on a hypothesis. We need scientific evidence to support the status change of species. Do we have that?
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments. We will analyse and interpret the information, and a final decision on this species’ Red List category will be posted on this page on 12 May 2025.
Recommended categorisation to be put forward to IUCN
The final categorisation for this species has not changed. Indian Spotted Eagle is recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, approaching thresholds under Criteria A2cd+3cd+4cd.
Many thanks for everyone who contributed to the 2025.2 GTB Forum process. The final Red List categories will be published on the BirdLife and IUCN websites in October 2025, following further checking of information relevant to the assessments by both BirdLife and IUCN.
Indian Spotted Eagle is affected by use of pesticides and loss of nesting habitat. I think it can continue being in the Vulnerable category.
Nepal has small population of Indian Spotted Eagle and believed to have 30-70 individuals. Since 2016 we are studying Indian Spotted Eagle using various methods such as nest survey (both visual observation and using camera traps), and GPS tracked of birds. We found these birds extensively forage over the farmland habitats (over 75%), home range area is farmlands. Their main diet during breeding season is Frogs (>70%), which are common in the farmlands during the monsoon time (Gurung et al 2019). Heavy use of pesticide (Organophosphates) during the peddy plantation in monsoon has high impact to this species due to contamination with its main diet.
Farmlands of Lumbini is the important habitat of this species and in the past we monitored 5 nests and the breeding success was very low (<30%).
Low breeding success is contamination of diet, disturbances from local people, logging of nesting trees etc. Thus we believe this species is still in risk in Nepal.
Therefore, I request not to downgrade this species into NT status.
Ref.
Gurung, S., Subedi, T.R., Virani, M., Buij, R., Thomsett, S., Baral, H.S. and Chaudhary, D., 2019. Prey Item Selection and Prey Delivery of Indian Spotted Eagle during Chick‐Rearing Period in Nepal. In Proceeding of The 11th Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (pp 42 – 49). ISBN: 978‐602‐294‐396‐9. Udayana University Press Bali, Indonesia.
Insights from a systematic survey in the Northern Deccan.
An ongoing project at NCF focuses on generating bird data in regions where citizen science data is lacking. The current region of focus is the Northern Deccan. We did not find any individual of the species despite intensive sampling in the region.
The total effort in the systematic survey was : 11,376 minutes (approximately 190 hours), covering a distance of 117.19 km across all habitats (Woodland, Cropland, Open Natural Ecosystems, Villages, Wetlands and Rivers).
Apart from this, we explored other areas and continued observing birds throughout the day. We also reported interesting birds (incidental eBird checklists) while driving to the grids or other habitats.
Therefore, the Indian Spotted Eagle is very rare in the Northern Deccan region.
More details about the sampling design can be found in the comment posted here:
https://forums.birdlife.org/2025-2-indian-roller-coracias-benghalensis/
In addition to the sampling mentioned here. We also sampled in villages
Details: 2 stationary counts/village · 10 min each · 100 m apart
Effort: 68 checklists · 680 mins
Samakshi Tiwari
Nature Conservation Foundation
Threats in the Indian Subcontinent are high, as per other reviewers, and the fragile Cambodian population is at risk due to loss of habitat, nest robbery and likely threats similar to those in the Subcontinent. Stronger conservation action is needed. Downlisting, which is based on incomplete understanding of population size and trend, will hinder conservation and put the species at further risk.
After reviewing the species account, I am concerned that a potentially inaccurate understanding of the habitat requirements of the Indian Spotted Eagle (Clanga hastata) may be influencing recent assessments, particularly its downlisting. Based on current knowledge and field observations, this species is not primarily associated with forest or woodland habitats. While it may occasionally use woodland edges and requires large trees for nesting, these nesting sites are typically situated in open landscapes (incl. croplands and wetlands) rather than within dense forest.
Consequently, deforestation rates may have limited relevance to the species’ current trajectory. On the other hand, threats in open natural ecosystems (ONEs) and croplands are likely to have a much greater impact, yet these are underrepresented or entirely missing from existing threat assessments. In India, significant pressures are acting on such open habitats—including large-scale reclamation of semi-arid lands often misclassified as “wastelands,” and widespread infrastructure development like solar farms aimed at meeting renewable energy targets. Similar threats are detailed in the Indian Courser account and are equally pertinent here. A relevant study mapping India’s semi-arid ONEs can be found here:
Mapping the distribution and extent of India’s semi-arid open natural ecosystems
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.14471
Additionally, the key nesting studies of the Indian Spotted Eagle do not originate from deciduous forests, further indicating its association with open habitats:
https://indianbirds.in/pdfs/IB6.1_Sharma_Chanda_IndianSpottedEagle.pdf
https://indianbirds.in/pdfs/IB2.1_ShivprakashETAL_SpottedEagle.pdf
https://indianbirds.in/pdfs/IB8.2_SantETAL_indianSpottedEagle.pdf
https://indianbirds.in/pdfs/IB_16_6_SantETAL_BreedingEcology_IndianSpottedEagleNEW.pdf
In contrast to the migratory and Vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga), which is relatively stable in the wetlands of peninsular India, the Indian Spotted Eagle exhibits different dietary preferences. The Greater Spotted Eagle preys heavily on large waterbirds—a group generally considered stable per the State of India’s Birds (2023). The Indian Spotted Eagle, however, relies on rodents and herpetofauna (see breeding biology papers quoted above)—elements of the food chain that are more vulnerable to environmental contaminants and are possibly in decline.
https://stateofindiasbirds.in/species/grseag1/
Personal observations from the Hosakote IBA near Bangalore support this concern, I think. Between 2013 and 2016, sightings of up to half a dozen individuals in a day were common, with roosts occasionally exceeding 12 birds. However, after 2020, reports have declined drastically, with the species now rarely observed. This sharp decline appears especially pronounced around urban fringes, even where habitat structure remains unchanged, suggesting possible disruption in the food chain, potentially due to contamination from, may be, urban waste dumping. All these need more in-depth studies.
Finally, historical records and assessments of the species’ status and distribution must be treated cautiously due to extensive past identification errors. The Indian Spotted Eagle was formerly lumped with the Lesser Spotted Eagle, and earlier field guides often described features of the latter. As a result, even expert ornithologists misidentified Indian Spotted Eagles into the early 2000s, frequently confusing them with other Aquila species such as the Steppe Eagle. Proper field identification only stabilized post-2005, becoming more widespread around 2010. An example of such early misidentification is preserved here:
https://praveenjayadevan.tripod.com/Aquila/aquile.htm
Therefore, I recommend exercising caution when interpreting any status or distribution data predating 2010, especially in conservation assessments.
SoIB 2023 does not have a conclusive trend for Indian Spotted Eagle for India as a country, or for any state or any habitat.
https://stateofindiasbirds.in/species/inseag1/
This is because of the large LCI-RCI band associated with the trends.
Even if there was a conclusive trend, SoIB 2023 would not have projected the Current Annual Trend to three generations as the 3-GEN period (28.4 years) is considered (by SoIB2023) too high for extrapolation from a 7-year interval (see methods of SoIB 2023).
However, we think this particular information may be sought before down-listing – with a question like this
Is it reasonable to infer that the population declines of Indian Spotted Eagle across its range is below 30% (under Criteria A) ?
Due to the long generation length, it is worthwhile noting that an annual decline of 1.25% (i.e., 100 birds becoming 98 or 99 birds in one year) is sufficient to hit the 30% threshold for Vulnerable under Criteria A.
Perhaps, this topic may be put to ‘Pend’ to collect that information?
Information on raptor declines in India is available in p.39 of the report
https://zenodo.org/records/11124590/preview/00_SoIB%202023.pdf
I have been studying raptors of Western India since almost two decades and the status of Indian spotted eagle in Gujarat and also mostly Rajasthan is not of a resident. Majority of all sightings in the region is only in month of winters.
It is a long distance migratory bird and the same has been reported by satellite telemetry. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383151265_Aspects_of_Movement_Ecology_and_Habitat_Use_of_Migratory_Raptors_Using_Satellite_Telemetry_from_India_to_Central_Asia
Ebird data during breeding season shows significant difference in the distribution range. Also there are few birds which are reported from different areas of north-western india which are also likely the sub-adult birds and not the adult breeding birds.
Therefore the map given in the justification shows incorrect representation of the correct status of the species distribution and its breeding range.
It is still considered as an uncommon species throughout the Indian subcontinent except a few regions having high breeding population while many other areas may have small breeding population.
I also agree with all the above comments on the habitat preference of open areas and food preference of rodents and reptiles with increasing use of pesticides possess significant threats to the species.
With insufficient data available it is best kept as vulnerable instead of lowering the status to near threatened.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments until 25 April 2025. We will now analyse and interpret the information, and we will post a preliminary decision on this species’ Red List category on this page on 25 April 2025, when discussions will re-open.
Preliminary proposal
We thank all those that have taken the time to comment above and share their observations. The information provided on threats, distribution, habitat requirements, and regional declines will be incorporated into the updated species factsheet.
It has been suggested that this species be ‘maintained’ as Vulnerable. However, the current category and criteria cannot be maintained because the species is listed as Vulnerable C2a(ii), an assessment requiring that 100% of mature individuals are in a single subpopulation. With a highly disjunct resident population in Cambodia, this is evidently not the case.
Concern has been raised that the population trend relies disproportionately on forest cover loss data. Forest cover loss was only one aspect (of many) used to inform plausible rates of decline and is used to define the minimum (9-12% over three generations) rate. Impacts from pesticides, collisions, and the loss of nesting trees are also cited as additional threats that are plausibly driving additional declines, but there is no evidence that the rate exceeds 30% over three generations, and the initial designation of Near Threatened under Criteria A2cd+3cd+4cd stands. However, the final assessment will clarify that forest cover loss is not the primary threat driving declines.
Additionally, it is recognised that the population size is plausibly small (<10,000) but there are currently no surveys or information that allow a reliable estimation of population size (the minimum standard of evidence required for listing as threatened under Criterion C as per the IUCN Guidelines).
There is now a period for further comments until the final deadline on 4 May 2025, after which the recommended categorisations will be put forward to IUCN.
The final 2025 Red List categories will be published on the BirdLife and IUCN websites in October 2025, following further checking of information relevant to the assessments by both BirdLife and IUCN.
Concrete evidence is needed to show that Cambodia has different subpopulations. Threats to the Indian Spotted Eagle are increasing everywhere, but it is a worrying situation that scientific organisations are proposing to downgrade the species’ status just based on a hypothesis. We need scientific evidence to support the status change of species. Do we have that?
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments. We will analyse and interpret the information, and a final decision on this species’ Red List category will be posted on this page on 12 May 2025.
Recommended categorisation to be put forward to IUCN
The final categorisation for this species has not changed. Indian Spotted Eagle is recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, approaching thresholds under Criteria A2cd+3cd+4cd.
Many thanks for everyone who contributed to the 2025.2 GTB Forum process. The final Red List categories will be published on the BirdLife and IUCN websites in October 2025, following further checking of information relevant to the assessments by both BirdLife and IUCN.