Abstract:

Introduction:
The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is the fourth largest eagle globally, feeding on fish, waterfowl, small mammals, and occasionally carrion. Their habitat spans Eastern Asia to Germany, Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland, from the Arctic across Siberia, and from Croatia to the Eastern Pacific. Despite extinction in Spain in the 19th century, a 2021 reintroduction project began in Asturias. 3D content aids both students and forestry professionals in bone anatomy understanding. Advanced 3D methods facilitate global online visualization and learning. Limited knowledge in Spain about the white-tailed eagle requires studying its species and anatomy. This study aimed to create a 3D virtual osteological collection for the white-tailed eagle, proposing measurement standards and maintaining a physical 3D bone repository.

Methodology:
We performed 3D digitization and virtualization of two white-tailed eagle skeletons using a structured light scanner with texture (Ein Scan SP), a multifunctional X-ray equipment (Multivet model, Sedecal, Madrid) located at the Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and a Toshiba Aquilion 64 CT scanner at the Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Diagnostic Imaging Service of the ERVET Veterinary Hospital. After obtaining the 3D images with the scanner or with the use of 3D Slicer software from the CT DICOM file, resulting files with explanatory labels were uploaded to Sketchfab, measured, and made available on the Complutense University of Madrid website. Additionally, we employed PLA material 3D printing using an Artillery Sidewinder X2 3D printer for further analysis and replication.

Results:
The material is freely accessible at the following website: https://www.ucm.es/fisioanimvet/pigargo-europeo-haliaeetus-albicilla.

Discussion:
The project's outcomes are a valuable educational resource for professionals and students. They support research, experiments, and conservation studies on the white-tailed eagle while providing a durable and visually appealing 3D alternative to real bones. This resource allows comparisons between different anatomical study methods and aids in identifying white-tailed eagle bones, offering qualitative and quantitative characteristics for professionals and the public. These 3D models enable detailed anatomical study, surpassing 2D images, and serve as a visually engaging learning tool accessible from anywhere with internet access. They help identify bird species from skeletal remains and uncover causes of death, such as fractures or diseases like bone demineralization and heavy metal intoxication. Additionally, printed physical models replace valuable or archaeological pieces, serving as an unbreakable educational tool.

Conclusions:
The project created a comprehensive 3D resource for the white-tailed eagle, benefiting education and research. These digital models support learning, research, and species identification without requiring real bones. They facilitate comparative studies, help identify bones, and allow interactive learning online. Additionally, they assist in identifying bird species from skeletal remains and determining causes of death. Physical models offer a practical educational tool without risking damage to valuable specimens.

Keywords:

White-tailed eagle, bone, 3D, virtualization, educational innovation.