The Birdcrime report 2017
Produced annually, Birdcrime is the UK’s only report summarising known offences against birds of prey (also known as raptors). This report covers confirmed incidents of raptor persecution from 2017 as collated by the RSPB’s Investigations team. This data can be viewed in the appendices (PDF), and for the first time in our new Raptor Persecution Map Hub.
The report reveals that shooting has become the main detected method of targeting these birds. In 2017, there were 68 confirmed incidents of raptor persecution, but only four prosecutions relating to raptor crime. Of those, only one resulted in a conviction. We think you’ll agree that this isn’t right.
For the rare and beautiful hen harrier, persecution – particularly on land managed for driven grouse shooting – is a major threat to its survival as a species in England.
Please read this report, which explores some of the stories which emerged during 2017, explains the issues which threaten many raptor species on a conservation level, and reveals the “blackspot” areas where persecution is rife.
Since our data only reflects known incidents, this report only scratches the surface. We know, from independent studies on raptor populations, that more incidents will have taken place undetected or unreported and that the true extent of the problem, sadly, goes far deeper.
Birdcrime
Be our eyes and ears, and help restore birds of prey to our skies.
Here in the UK birds of prey are under constant threat of being deliberately and illegally shot, trapped or poisoned. Each week, the RSPB receives reports of birds like peregrines and red kites, being killed. How many more go unreported and undetected?
For the rare and beautiful hen harrier, persecution is a mjor threat to their survival as a species in England. Only three pairs bred here in 2017. The hen harrier is known as the ghost of the moor, and it risks becoming one if this continues.
Bird of prey persecution is a national disgrace. We're urging the governmment to end it.
Please share. Be our eyes and ears and help restore birds of prey to our skies.

Downloads
Downloads
PDF, 365KB
Birdcrime 2017 AppendicesPDF, 158KB
Birdcrime 2017 Infrographic