A study on some basic blood biochemical parameters of Eastern imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca) in Bulgaria

The Eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) is one of the largest birds of prey in Southeastern Europe. In Bulgaria, the Eastern imperial eagle is critically endangered. The object of this study was to report species-specific values of some basic biochemical parameters in healthy wild and captive birds from the country. Between 2021-2022, nine blood samples were obtained from the species and the values of 18 indicators were determined: alanine transaminase, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, aspartate transaminase, calcium, chloride, cholesterol, creatine kinase, creatinine, blood glucose, lac­tate dehydrogenase, magnesium, phosphorus, total bilirubin, total protein, triglycerides and uric acid. As far as we know, this is the first published study covering more than one individual of the Eastern imperial eagle species. Both wild and captive, male and female, juvenile and adult birds were sampled. It is recommended to make comparative analysis on the basis of these differences. The present study can be taken into account in a future more comprehensive research dealing with establishing blood reference ranges for some biochemical parameters of the species.