Peregrine persecution a concern

A dead rabbit discovered in County Tyrone last October also suggested someone was trying to poison birds with the narcotic Alphachloralose.

Two birds of prey and one other bird came under attack in the North West last year according to an RSPB Birdcrime report for 2009.

The report does not contain information on the shooting and destruction of non bird of prey species and thus do not give a total figure for wild bird crime in the area.

The RSPB indicated concern over an unconfirmed report a known Peregrine site may have been targeted in Londonderry last January and over the presence of bird control agent Alphachloralose in a dead rabbit in Tyrone last October.

The group said the Red Kite, White-Tailed Sea Eagle and Peregrine falcon were some of the most majestic of our native birds.

Yet last year, 12 of them were poisoned, trapped or shot, demonstrating that in Northern Ireland, bird of prey persecution is alive and well.

“While the numbers are relatively low compared to the rest of the UK, the RSPB believes that even one death is still too many,” said Claire Ferry, Senior Conservation Officer.

“Birds of prey are recovering from terrible declines in their population, and their numbers are only just beginning to pick up. Such persecution is unwarranted and demonstrates a lack of understanding or tolerance.

“The RSPB and the PSNI take a very dim view of this and we will fight on to ensure that everything is done to ensure their safety.”

The RSPB ran its Birds of Prey campaign last year where the society collected over 200,000 signatures from across UK. Its aim was to strengthen laws around the persecution of birds of prey.

“It was extremely successful with over 2,000 people signing in Northern Ireland alone,” said Claire. “It was also endorsed by members of the Environment Committee and the Minister for the Environment, Edwin Poots.

“The RSPB also campaigned for a new schedule on the Wildlife Order that protects some bird of prey nest sites all year around. We are also pleased that the penalties for committing wildlife crimes have been increased. This is a good improvement in the protection these birds receive.

”The RSPB is also a member of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime in Northern Ireland (PAWNI) and we chair the Birds of Prey crime working group. While we do all we can, it is up to the public to come forward with information. Only together will we be able to stop this.”

PSNI’s Wildlife Liaison Crime Officer, Emma Meredith, commented: “The PSNI treats all wildlife crime seriously and would encourage anyone who witnesses a wildlife crime or has information in relation to crimes of this nature to contact their local station on 0845 600 8000. Crime can also be reported anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

For more information call the RSPB on 028 9049 1547.