Two specially-trained dogs from the Italian Alps could be used to help protect new lambs from sea eagles.
Rothimurchus Falconry, near Aviemore, is training two Maremma sheep dogs to look out for the large birds of prey in the sky.
The breed – which have white coats and are easily distinguishable from animals like wolves – typically live with herds driving away predators.
The sea eagle, or white tailed eagle, is the UK’s largest bird of prey and was reintroduced more than 50 years ago.
But they regularly swoop on young lambs, killing hundreds over the last decade.
Rothiemurchus Falconry trial alternative method to protecting sheep from eagles
Now Jonathan and Daisy Ames, from Rothiemurchus Falconry, hope to have found a solution.
Dogs Luigi and Peaches will be trained to protect the flock.
“This particular breed dates all the way back to the Romans,” Mr Ames told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland. “They’ve been around for thousands of years.
“They generally wander around mountains following sheep and goats and drive away predators – mainly wolves.”
The falconers have been using a drone featuring an eagle lure to train the dogs to leap into action.
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.
“We’re just trying our best to make them aware that an eagle is a predator.”
What are Maremma sheep dogs?
Maremma sheep dogs originate from two areas of central Italy, Abruzzi and Maremma, and can be dated back to ancient Roman times.
The breed shares ancestry with other Easter European livestock guard dogs, including mountain-dwelling dogs, like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and Kuvasz.
The main function of the dog, which lives to around 12 years old, was to guard flocks from wolves and bears.
In Australia, farmers have reported a 35% reduction in losses from foxes, wild dogs and birds of prey after adopting the animals.
