Golden and white-tailed eagles could return to Wales for first time since 1850s after conservationists began a project to bring them back to Snowdonia.

Researchers at Cardiff University are investigating whether the modern Welsh landscape could support their reintroduction.

Eagles were once common in Wales and the Welsh name for Snowdonia is Eryri - meaning home of the eagle - but the huge birds were killed by sheep farmers and gamekeepers to protect their stocks in the Victorian era.

Now experts believe that their reintroduction could help ensure the future survival of the species as well as boosting tourism.

The programme to bring back White-tailed Eagles on the west coast of Scotland attracts an extra 1.4 million visitors to the region every year, generating up to £5 million of tourist spend on the Isle of Mull, and supporting 110 jobs.

Eagle Reintroduction Wales Project researcher, Sophie-lee Williams from Cardiff University, explained: “Wales is home to large expanses of potentially suitable eagle habitat, but, before we begin reintroducing the species, there are many questions we need to answer about the quality of habitat, and whether it can sustain eagles.

“We are currently carrying out a full feasibility study which will enable us to answer some of these questions and determine whether the Welsh countryside is a suitable location for eagle reintroduction.