Wildlife lovers have confirmed that Eastern Imperial Eagles visited Mudumalai Tiger Reserve this winter season. Murali Moorthy spotted a pair of these rare raptors. One striking photo shows the eagle alongside an endangered Egyptian vulture. Mr. Moorthy told The Hindu that these eagles breed mainly in Western and Central Asia. They migrate in winter to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South and East Asia. Arockianathan Samson from Bombay Natural History Society noted the reserve offers the perfect home, food, and climate for raptors. "Most raptors also prefer areas with little anthropogenic pressures and good food availability," said Mr. Samson. Imperial Eagles breed in open forest-steppe landscapes with tall trees for nests and open ground to hunt. Their breeding range covers Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Siberia, and northwest China. As top predators, they help keep rodent and small animal numbers in check, which is key to a balanced ecosystem. Yet, habitat loss and fewer food sources threaten their survival. Protecting both breeding and winter homes is crucial, explained Mr. Samson. This year, Mudumalai also saw a large rise in winter migrants, including Greater Spotted Eagles, said Mr. Moorthy. Conservationists urge limiting visitor numbers at Mudumalai during summer and winter peak seasons to reduce human pressure. A conservationist from The Nilgiris said, "The tiger reserve is a biodiversity hotspot but faces increasing tourism pressures. The government must introduce policies to protect native and migrant wildlife." Mr. Samson added that frequent Eastern Imperial Eagle sightings from 2020 to 2025 on eBird prove Mudumalai’s importance as a winter habitat. Most sightings occur November to February, matching their migration period. The reserve’s grasslands, forest edges, and prey support the eagles far from their breeding grounds. These findings show the global conservation value of Indian protected areas and highlight the need to protect winter habitats for migratory birds traveling thousands of kilometers.