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The breeding diet of Wedge-tailed Eagles Aquila audax in the absence of rabbits: Kangaroo Island, South Australia


Rabbits form a significant component of the diet of the Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax, particularly in temperate mainland Australia. The breeding-season diet of this eagle species was studied on Kangaroo Island, South Australia – a large island lacking rabbits. Wedge-tailed Eagles at three nest sites consumed mostly mammals (67% of prey individuals; 95% biomass; five species), but also birds (33% of prey individuals; 5% biomass; five species). Although roadkill is abundant on Kangaroo Island, further study is required to determine its relative influence in the diet of Wedge-tailed Eagles in this region.

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