Populations of most birds of prey increasing but kestrels dramatically declining

By Tim Pauling

Most species of birds of prey in Scotland are increasing, according to a new report.

The study published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) shows that certain birds of prey such as goshawks, buzzards and sparrowhawks have shown signs of recovery over the past seven years due to efforts to combat persecution, habitat loss and pesticides.

However, not all species have increase and some declines have been “stark”. Numbers of kestrels, a once common and widespread bird, have decline and they are now becoming scarce in many part of Scotland.

Gordon Riddle, Scottish Raptor Group coordinator, said there was no clear evidence why kestrels were declining.

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