Which geographic area acted as an evolutionary reservoir for White-Tailed Eagles?

Parts of Scandinavia or the Baltic

During the period of dramatic historical range reduction across Europe, certain locations managed to sustain stable, albeit smaller, populations of the White-Tailed Eagle. These areas functioned as evolutionary reservoirs, meaning they retained a comparatively broader genetic base that was critical for the species' long-term viability and eventual recovery efforts. Specifically, pockets of birds in areas like parts of Scandinavia or the Baltic region maintained this essential genetic diversity. The ability of the Baltic population to persist was linked to complex dynamics, including relatively intact coastal feeding grounds, which presented a different set of selective challenges compared to inland territories, thus preserving a wider array of genetic traits necessary for future reintroduction programs.