Within the last three weeks Raptor Politics have reported the poisoning of 2 peregrines, 4 goshawks together with a single buzzard in Devon. Now the West Country bird of prey death toll rises even higher with a third poisoned Peregrine death reported near Buckfastleigh bringing the total known poisoning incidents in Devon and Cornwall this year to eight.
The death of this latest peregrine brings the total number of raptors found poisoned in Deven and Cornwall this year to eaght. It is at times like this we must recall the words of the Minister for the Environment and Fisheries, this is what Mr Ricard Benyon MP had to say, ” There are very good laws to punish the illegal killing of any animal.” Well clearly these laws are not doing the job they were deisigned to do are they? Mr Benyon then went on to say ” If they are not being effectively enforced they must be and we will take steps to make sure that happens.” The question Raptor Politics would now like to ask Mr Benyon, when are you going to take the action you promised that will ensure England’s raptors receive the protection they are not getting now?
Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are appealing for information following confirmation this week that a young peregrine falcon found dead at a quarry near Buckfastleigh had residues of both carbofuran and aldicarb. These banned pesticides are suspected to have contributed to the bird’s death.
This brings to eight the number of birds of prey killed in poisonings this year in the West Country. In March four goshawks and a buzzard were found dead to the west of Exeter and in July two peregrines were found near St Just in Cornwall.
Although its undoubetedly pure coincidence, this bird was found on the same day as the St Just birds. One ornithologist claims he has never in 16 years working in the West Contry experienced such a bad year.
The bird, a young female peregrine, was found by environmental consultants from URS Scott Wilson at Whitecleaves Quarry near Buckfastleigh on 21 July. Peregrines at this site have been targeted previously, with dead birds found in 2005, 2004 and 1992. On each occasion the birds had been poisoned.
Following the discovery, Natural England‘s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) was notified and began an investigation. The body was sent for analysis and it was confirmed last week that both had residues of the banned substances aldicarb and carbofuran. The latter was also identified in the previous cases this year.
Wildlife conservationists have mounting concern over the presence of these chemicals in the wider countryside.
Ivan Lakin, Natural England’s Wildlife Adviser in Devon said: “Peregrine falcons have suffered from illegal poisoning in Devon for 20 years – often tricked into consuming poisoned ‘live bait.’ The poison which we have seen used in many of these cases was banned more than a decade ago and it can be potentially as dangerous to the public, children and pets as it is to birds of prey. “We treat such incidents seriously and will continue our work with other agencies under the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, with the main objective of stopping illegal persecution and prosecuting people responsible for these senseless crimes.”
Tony Whitehead, spokesperson for the RSPB in the South West said; “I was truly shocked to see the images of the dead bird. Peregrines at this site have a long history of persecution. In 2005 a bird was found dead on the body of a pigeon. The pigeon had its wings purposely clipped and it had been doused with poison. In 2004 a peregrine was found dead near to a pigeon spiked with the poison malathion. And in July 1992 a peregrine was found dead alongside another pigeon similarly treated with malathion. ”This has been a truly awful year for birds of prey in the West Country. Whatever the motives of the people that carry out these deliberate acts, we must not forget that they are nothing more than common criminals. They show no regard for these magnificent and much loved birds of prey and also show little regard for the safety of people and their pets walking in the countryside. This needs to be stopped.”
PC Josh Marshall, Wildlife Crime Officer in Devon said: “This strikes a chord with me as I visited the site this year and watched the birds at the site while the female was incubating.
Nationally, bird of prey persecution is continuing to be a major problem, particularly this year in the south west and in Devon. In terms of wildlife crime, we welcome the fact that bird of prey persecution has been identified as a key priority for wildlife crime enforcement. Investigations can be complex and are often initially out of the public eye until analysis results are obtained, then as in the case, we frequently appeal for anyone with information to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone found guilty of an offence against birds of prey can be liable to a fine of up to £5000 (per offence) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
If anyone has information regarding this they can call 101 quoting crime number JA/11/423. Alternatively if members of the public wish to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The public can also contact the RSPB on 0845 466 3636. All information is handled in the strictest confidence. The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction.
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When will this slaughter end, two petegrines poisoned in St Just in West Cornwall.
Four goshaws and one buzzard all found poisoned in West Cornwall.
This does not reflect the true situation, since this bird was found the 2 adults and other young have not been seen or located.
As no remains have been found the RSPB et al will not acknowledge these as further victims of poisoning…..
What worries me more, is that there are criminals wandering our countryside with illegal poisons.The very countryside we use for recreation for us and our Children and the same countryside Natural England claim is being looked after well by gamekeepers!
these people should be strung up & their b++locks chopped off
It seems somewhat obvious that these poisonings are committed by pigeon keepers in an attempt to protect what can sometimes be extremely valuable birds. Maybe if the authorities threatened to suspend the keeping or release of pigeons until the perpetrators are handed in something might happen. I’m all in favour of protecting our sports and hobbies but not at the expense of others.
I like all birds and would not hurt or kill any of them ,But there are now just to meny birds of prey around ,They are not only killing peoples racing pigeons ,But also loads of song birds ,A few years ago you hardly ever saw one now they are everywhere .They are being bread and let go in to the wild thats why there are now so meny of them ,When will people learn to leave things alone ??????????????????????
Editor’s Comment. There is no evidence to support what you are saying. Song birds populations in most eastern European countries remain at high levels and raptors are also in higher numbers than here in the UK. Song bird losses have more to do with agricultural practises than any thing else, perhaps the millions of cats may also place a part.
Mr Smith, May I ask what species of birds of prey are being bred and then released into the wild? I ask this because it is illegal without a licence. ( a few years ago you hardly saw one of them!!!) One of what?. Mr Smith, Magpie’s,Jay’s,Cat’s take songbirds, don’t just blame birds of prey. One thing is for sure, if cat owners put bells on cat collars hundreds of thousands of young fledglings would have a better chance of surviving it’s first year.