Highland falconers are training two Maremma Sheep Dogs to look out for the large birds of prey in the sky. The breed have white coats and are easily distinguishable from animals like wolves. They often live with herds, driving away predators.
Farmers believe white-tailed sea eagles have killed hundreds of lambs over he last decade. They are Scotland’s largest bird of prey. Almost 50 years ago, they were reintroduced on the west coast. For years, Italian shepherds have used Maremma sheep dogs to scare off wolves. Now, falconers hope to train the dogs to look out for predators from above.
Can Maremma Sheep Dogs Be The Answer?
Jonathan and Daisy Ames are from Rothiemurchus Falconry near Aviemore . They are training two young Maremma sheep dogs, Luigi and Peaches, to protect newborn lambs. “This particular breed dates all the way back to the Romans,” said Mr Ames. “They’ve been around for thousands of years.”
During the training, they work with the dogs for a short time each day to enhance better learning. The falconers encourage the dogs to chase a drone with an eagle lure attached. They want the dogs’ protective instinct to kick in when they see a predator threatening a sheep. The aim is for the dogs to live with and protect the herd full-time.
“It gives them aerial awareness training – and it’s a bit of fun as well,” said Mr Ames added. “We have a white-tailed eagle here at the centre and whilst in a controlled environment. We will let the dogs see her eat what they think is a sheep carcass. “So before they do go and try it for real, they should’ve seen a predator eating what they think is their sheep.”
The Biggest Enemy of the Maremma Sheep Dog–the Sea Eagle
Sea eagles have up to an 8ft (2.4m) long wingspan and are sometimes called “flying barn doors”. These powerful birds of prey can pick up geese and lambs depending on the weather. “A lot of work has gone into bringing sea eagles back here and it does a lot of good for tourism and the ecosystem,” said Mrs Ames.
“They’re really bold birds, and they’ll learn very quickly that lambs are an easy prey item to take for their chicks.But they will also quickly learn that there are predators with those lambs that run and bark at them. Seriously injured sea eagles can’t hunt and feed their chicks, so they know that the lambs are no longer easy prey.”
Sea Eagles are a symbol of Scotland’s flourishing ecosystem. The eagles were reintroduced to the west coast nearly five decades ago. This was done to promote tourism and to achieve a greater environmental balance.
However, this remarkable resurgence has come at a cost for local farmers and crofters, who have witnessed hundreds of their precious lambs falling prey to the eagles. The situation has prompted the pioneering initiative of the falconers, who believe that these vigilant dogs can deter the eagles from targeting the lambs.
Introducing the Maremma Sheep Dogs to the Sea Eagle
The dogs will patrol lambing paddocks, instead of trying to protect entire herds. Mr Ames explained: “From what we understand about eagle behaviour, they don’t like heavy confrontation. If they perceive these barking dogs as a top predator, they don’t want to want to go in and risk being injured.” Once the dogs are trained, they will join a larger flock in December so the sheep have a couple of months to get to know the dogs before they lamb.
John Willie Gilles, the chair of the North Raasay Sheep stock club, has been a crofter since he left school. He said the eagles are the biggest problems facing his lambs. Over the last decade crofters in the Highlands say that hundreds of their lambs have been taken by sea eagles.
“It’s been an issue since they were introduced,” said Mr Gilles. “We noticed a significant impact on our lambing percentages in 2012, anywhere where the birds were nesting. Our lambing percentages dropped 30% from one year to the next. There’s no other reason that it would happen – I’ve seen enough bad weather and any other problems you can have.”
Gilles contiues, “But they are the biggest problem we could have. It shows what happens every year: If they’re not rearing chicks, they’re not killing as many lambs. But if they are rearing chicks, then you’re finding lambs with a hole in the ribcage and the soft tissue taken away. The heart, lungs and liver are taken away to feed the chicks.” He added: “I don’t know what the solution is, but something’s got to be done.”
Are Maremma Sheep Dogs the Solution to the Problem?
Mr Ames hopes that if the project is successful, it could secure funding to help other farmers. A NatureScot spokesperson said: “The Sea Eagle Management Scheme provides a range of support to holdings affected by sea eagle predation of livestock. This includes support for new ideas proposed by farmers and crofters participating in the scheme, in our collaborative work to mitigate sea eagle predation.”
The use of guardian dogs to mitigate sea eagle predation in Scotland is a fairly new approach. If there is interest from farmers and crofters in exploring this approach this is something that should be seriously considered by more farmers.
Can You Visualize This?
In the picturesque landscape of the Scottish Alps, a fascinating endeavor is underway. The ultimate goal is to protect newborn lambs from the majestic but formidable white-tailed sea eagles. Focused falconers, with a passion for preserving the balance of nature, are training two extraordinary Maremma sheep dogs to be guardians of the skies.
The Maremma have a beautiful white coat and a distinct appearance. They traditionally reside among herds, warding off any potential predators. In a bold move, these modern day, highly skilled falconers are adapting an age-old Italian shepherding technique. They are using these dogs to combat the rising concern of sea eagle attacks on lambs. These attacks have become more of a problem over the past decade.
John Willie Gilles, an experienced crofter, has witnessed the devastating impact of eagle predation on his lambs over the years. The decrease in lambing percentages since the eagles’ reintroduction has been a significant challenge for him and his fellow crofters. Desperate for a solution, they find hope in the prospect of the guardian dogs providing much-needed protection.
The training process is both engaging and crucial. Encouraging the dogs to chase a drone adorned with an eagle lure is a key aspect. Another critical step is to instill in them the instinct to protect the vulnerable sheep when danger looms overhead. The ultimate goal is to have the dogs become permanent protectors, living harmoniously with the herd.
What If the Plan to Train the Maremmar Sheep to Protect the Sheep Really Works?
If the project proves successful, it could set a precedent for similar efforts on other farms. Jonathan and Daisy Ames, the dedicated falconers behind this novel approach, dream of securing funding to support fellow farmers in safeguarding their herds.
The commitment and passion of these falconers and crofters in their quest to strike a balance between preserving Scotland’s rich biodiversity and protecting their livelihoods are truly inspiring. They remain hopeful that their innovative endeavor will receive the necessary support to make a meaningful impact in mitigating sea eagle predation.
NatureScot, the organization devoted to protecting Scotland’s natural heritage, is open to exploring new approaches like using guardian dogs to address sea eagle predation. Their willingness to collaborate with farmers and crofters signifies a promising alliance in the quest for sustainable solutions.
Luigi and Peaches, these remarkable Maremma sheep dogs living alongside their cherished lambs, reminds us of the extraordinary power of dedication and collaboration in preserving the delicate harmony between human and wildlife.
If you enjoy stories about dogs that guard livestock, this is for you. https://happymutt.org/the-best-livestock-guardian-dogs-used-globally/