TESTS have found no definitive cause of death for a golden eagle discovered on an estate in the south of Scotland.

The female bird, known as Sula, was part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, a scheme dedicated to boosting the population of the iconic species.

The eagle was discovered on Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway in February and was reported to Police Scotland.

The Veterinary Investigation Centre at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in Dumfries conducted a variety of tests and no clear cause of death was established.

Dr Cat Barlow, manager of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, said it was “reassuring” that the investigation had found no evidence of bird flu.

Dr Barlow said: “Though we are of course very sad that Sula has died, it is reassuring for the local golden eagle population that this thorough investigation found no evidence of avian flu or other potential causes, and that Sula had clearly been thriving before her death.

“Like any species, golden eagles can die suddenly for a number of reasons, including natural causes.”

Veterinary Investigation Centre concluded that the eagle had been in “very fit condition” before its death.

The project has experienced success since its launch, taking the number of golden eagles in the region to the highest recorded since the early 19th century.

In recent years the initiative became the first in the UK to successfully translocate free-flying young golden eagles to boost a low population of the iconic bird.

Dr Barlow added: “Overall, the golden eagles translocated by our project have a fantastic survival rate. We have helped to more than triple the golden eagle population in the south of Scotland to the highest number recorded in the area for three centuries.

“We continue to closely monitor the health and wellbeing of the golden eagles that we have released as they settle and explore some of the region’s long-empty historical ranges.

“We would like to thank Police Scotland and the Veterinary Investigation Centre at SRUC for conducting a thorough investigation of Sula’s death, and the team at Queensberry Estate for supporting this by reporting the incident so quickly.

“The willingness of estates, such as Buccleuch Estates, to work closely with our Project team over a long period has played a key role in our project’s success.”

Benny Higgins, executive chairman of Buccleuch, said: “Buccleuch work closely with the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project in the local area.

“We are extremely proud of our record in recent years of helping rebuild the population and look forward to continuing to do so in the years ahead.”