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The killing has to stop

Adult peregrine trapped illegally, West Midlands
We must stop birds like this peregrine suffering from cruel and illegal persecution

Killing birds of prey was made illegal fifty years ago, but a callous few are choosing to ignore the law. We need your help to finally stop the cruel and unnacceptable killing of these magnificent birds.

Please show your support for our bird of prey campaign today and help consign the killing to history.

By adding your voice to the campaign, you will be standing up for birds of prey - and letting those that kill them know that society is watching them.

A tarnished past

When the RSPB was founded in 1889, birds of prey were systematically persecuted. By the early 1900s, four of our 15 species of birds of prey were exterminated as a breeding species.

Others managed to hang on against the odds, not helped by the introduction of a chemical called DDT that was introduced into farming in the 1950s. We can not allow this to happen again.

On the slow road to recovery

Many of the UK’s birds of prey are now gradually on the road to recovery.

'Please sign our online pledge today to give us a stronger voice to protect these magnificent birds.' 

Successful campaigns to ban DDT, and to gain full legal protection for all birds of prey have meant that over the last 50 years, many birds of prey are recovering well.

Other birds of prey have needed a helping hand.

Red kites and white tailed eagles have been successfully reintroduced to parts of the UK where they were once found.

These are all important successes that are worthy of celebration. However, this is not the whole story...

The cruel truth

Since 2003, 1664 incidents of bird crime involving or targeting wild birds of prey in the UK have been reported to the RSPB. 

'Since 2003, 1664 incidents of bird crime involving or targeting wild birds of prey in the UK have been reported to the RSPB.'

Shooting, poisoning and trapping continue to be the most frequent forms of illegal killing. Alarmingly, the annual figure for reported incidents of crimes against birds of prey continues to rise year on year.

Illegal killing often occurs in remote locations and is therefore difficult to detect. We believe that reported incidents represent a fraction of what actually takes place. 

The majority of those found guilty of offences involving birds of prey are associated with the game shooting industry. 

Red kites - a shocking comparison

Red kites have been reintroduced into the Chilterns in England and the Black Isle in Scotland.

'The shocking truth is that more than 300 of the 395 red kites that bred in Scotland between 1999 and 2003 have disappeared.'

The same numbers of birds were released at both projects, but there are now an amazing 350 pairs in the Chilterns compared to just 40 pairs in the Black Isle.

The shocking truth is that more than 300 of the 395 red kites that bred in Scotland between 1999 and 2003 have disappeared.

As many as 185 of these red kites were probably illegally poisoned, snared or shot.

Hen harriers – the UK’s most persecuted bird of prey

The English population of hen harriers is being held well below its natural level by persecution.

In 2007, just 14 pairs of hen harriers bred successfully in England - there is sufficient suitable upland habitat to support a population of 2-300 pairs. 

'The English population of hen harriers is being held well below its natural level by persecution.'

Scientific studies by the Government’s nature conservation advisers, Natural England, have found that illegal killing and destruction of nests is the only possible explanation for this discrepancy.

Incidents of persecution are strongly linked to land managed for driven grouse shooting.

In Scotland, where most of the UK's population is found, it has been estimated that the number of hen harriers would increase by 13% each year if illegal killing was eliminated.

Golden eagles – a symbol of Scotland under threat

In Scotland, golden eagles face a similar problem.

A number of scientific papers have shown that illegal persecution is the biggest factor limiting their current range.

It has also been shown that pockets of illegal activity have a detrimental effect over a much wider area. Dispersing young golden eagles are attracted into areas of apparently suitable habitat, only to then disappear due to persecution.

Birds of prey need you

Adding your name to our online petition will help ensure that:

  • Birds of prey continue to be fully protected
  • The law is properly enforced so those choosing to break the law are punished
  • The callous few that are killing birds of prey know that society is watching them

Please sign our online pledge today. Add your support to give us a stronger voice to help to protect these magnificent birds and allow everyone to experience the joy of seeing them.

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'.

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Last modified: 19 June 2008