News

News
Home > News > Details

Universal call to end the illegal killing of birds of prey

Last modified: 25 June 2008

Buzzard landing on ground
Buzzards are now more widespread and recolonising areas made vacant since pre-Victorian times. Buzzard landing on ground - Steve Round

A major new campaign and celebration launched by RSPB Scotland today has brought together an unprecedented number of organisations and individuals to stamp out the illegal killing of birds of prey.

Environment Minister Michael Russell MSP, will join a host of other leading representatives from conservation organisations, government agencies, landowning bodies and rural groups in a ground-breaking declaration of unity to sign a public pledge insisting there should be no place in Scotland's future for the illegal killing of birds of prey. 

Signatories will also acknowledge the importance of birds of prey to Scotland's natural heritage and culture, the boost they provide to local economies and their wish to see populations recovered and restored for all to enjoy.

The launch will take place in Cammo Park, Edinburgh, where RSPB Scotland will reveal a new Aren't birds brilliant! buzzard nest viewing project - a first within city limits for Scotland. Large birds of prey such as buzzards are now more widespread and recolonising areas where they have been absent since pre-Victorian times.

This welcome and natural recovery is a sign that abundant food supplies, such as rabbits, as well as reduced illegal poisoning in the lowlands are helping many raptor species. This gives a chance for Scottish urban dwellers to share the thrill of seeing birds of prey in their local environment as commonly occurs in other parts of Europe.

Even the east coast of Scotland white-tailed eagles - the country's largest bird of prey with an eight foot wingspan - have been seen close to human centres, and this is a sign of things to come, as in Germany and Poland these are birds familiar to city dwellers.

Disproportionate impact

Although most land managers now welcome birds of prey, and have played a key role in the reintroduction of red kites, ospreys and white-tailed eagles, a minority involved with game management are having a disproportionate impact on the conservation of some species including golden eagles and hen harriers. 

'Birds of prey are a major cultural and economic benefit to Scotland and are recognised as being of international conservation importance.'

Whilst populations of other species, such as buzzards, are rising across the country, there exist a number of 'black holes' where several bird of prey species are all but absent from suitable habitat or are in very low numbers when compared to similar habitats elsewhere. Scientific research has shown that these areas correlate with records of hotspots for poisoning and illegal killing. Most of these areas are in the central and eastern Highlands, with very few incidents west of the Great Glen.

Last year was the worst ever for red kite poisoning, according to the record of incidents independently confirmed by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency. The female of the only remaining pair of breeding golden eagles in the borders was also poisoned with an illegal pesticide last August.

Natural assets

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said: 'Birds of prey are a major cultural and economic benefit to Scotland and are recognised as being of international conservation importance. That many of our most magnificent raptor species have experienced recent population recoveries is a cause for celebration by conservationists and landowners alike.

'However, they continue to face difficult conservation problems, and chief among these is illegal killing. How we choose to treat these spectacular and inspiring birds will shape Scotland's international reputation for how we respect our natural environment.'

Environment Minister Michael Russell MSP said: 'Birds of prey are among Scotland's finest natural assets and I welcome any action to ensure that remains the case. Recent reports of the persecution of raptors have been very disturbing and the pledge I am signing today will be an important means of protecting these wonderful species.

'A recent report on wildlife crime also made a number of recommendations for Government, prosecutors and the police which I have been more than happy to accept.'

Luke Borwick, Chairman, SRPBA, said: 'Birds of prey are a tremendous asset to Scotland. Their protection and future prosperity to a significant degree lies in the hands of landowners and land managers, and we welcome recognition of this.

'Our position is also clear on illegal activity - it cannot be tolerated and we will work with the relevant agencies to eradicate wildlife crime.'

What can I do?

Birds of prey continue to be mercilessly killed, despite the fact that it is illegal and has been for decades. Please add your name to our online pledge and say 'the killing must stop'.

Help protect birds of prey like these