Why is the harm caused by eagles and other falconiforms to livestock often exaggerated?

The perception that falconiforms cause significant harm to livestock is often based on ignorance and unreasoning prejudice rather than objective evidence. Quantitative studies consistently demonstrate that the impact of these raptors on human interests is grossly exaggerated for several reasons:1

• Limited Predation: The number of livestock or poultry taken by any falconiform species is relatively small compared to the total available prey within their home range.1
• Ecological Balance: Even species labeled as "harmful" often prey upon other animals that are themselves pests to humans, such as rats, crows, and weasels.1
• Management Factors: Real damage is typically linked to poor livestock-management practices, such as keeping underfed poultry on free range or allowing weak lambs to graze on overgrazed pastures.1
• Lack of Evidence: Claims of extensive damage are frequently made without proof. For example, the persecution of the golden eagle in the United States for sheep predation was based on claims that were both improbable and impossible on the scale alleged.1

Indiscriminate killing of these birds is ethically unjustified, as they generally provide benefits by controlling pests and consuming carrion.21