Raptor Politics

Today we have received a copy of the 2008 report on the illegal killing of birds of prey in Scotland during 2008. You can download the report in PDF format from the link at the bottom of this article.

We are obliged to the RSPB in Scotland for this report, and for permission to publish it here. If you think that this report is bad, we are informed  that ‘2009 is grim’.

We note that the RSPB thank the Scottish Police forces amongst others for their efforts in combating wildlife crime. Would that we could do the same for the Lancashire Police for their efforts – but we can’t – they’re part of the problem!

Executive Summary:

2008 was a year when a white-tailed eagle, two red kites, 14 buzzards and three ravens were confirmed by the Scottish Government as being victims of illegal poisoning. Forty-two baits confirmed as being laced with highly toxic and illegal poisons were laid out indiscriminately in the open in Scotland’s countryside. A red kite and five buzzards were confirmed as shot and peregrines and hen harriers nesting on driven grouse moors “disappeared” in circumstances that suggested human interference.

There are substantial areas of suitable habitat in Scotland currently unoccupied by breeding birds of prey as a direct result of their continued illegal killing. This report documents known incidents of the illegal killing of birds of prey in 2008; outlines the scientific evidence that illustrates that the crimes recorded here represent a fraction of the actual total; and makes recommendations towards improving the detection of these crimes and the successful prosecution of the perpetrators. As ever, we are grateful to members of the public, the police in Scotland and many others who provide the data on which this report is based.

Download the report (pdf – right-click and save)