Quick Facts
Facts sourced from Wikidata (CC0).
Best Months to Spot
Most sightings recorded in Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. Data from GBIF - a global database of verified wildlife observations by researchers and citizen scientists.
Conservation Status
Conservation hubFaces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Martial eagles face significant threats from habitat loss, poisoning, and electrocution on power lines. While specific large-scale recovery programs are limited, ongoing efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect key habitats are crucial. Responsible safari tourism plays a vital role by funding conservation initiatives and raising awareness, demonstrating the economic value of protecting these magnificent birds and their ecosystems.
The martial eagle is a large eagle native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the only member of the genus Polemaetus. A species of the booted eagle subfamily (Aquilinae), it has feathers over its tarsus. One of the largest and most powerful species of booted eagle, it is a fairly opportunistic predator that varies its prey selection between mammals, birds and reptiles. It is one of few eagle species known to hunt primarily from a high soar, by stooping on its quarry. This species, an inhabitant of wooded belts of otherwise open savanna, has shown a precipitous decline in the last few centuries due to a variety of factors. The martial eagle is one of the most persecuted bird species in the world. Due to its habit of taking livestock and regionally valuable game, local farmers and game wardens frequently seek to eliminate martial eagles, although the effect of eagles on this prey is almost certainly considerably exaggerated. Currently, the martial eagle is classified with the status of Endangered by the IUCN.
Description adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to Find
Top parks for Martial Eagle. Sightings recorded in 200 safari areas total.
Best Safari Destinations
Loading safari destinations...
Ready to see Martial Eagle in the wild?
Use our tools to find the right park and plan your trip.