Birdwatch Ireland call for a full investigation
November 2012. BirdWatch
Ireland is calling for a full investigation after the recent shooting
of a Hen Harrier in Co. Wexford, which is a rare and protected bird of prey in
Ireland.
Hen Harriers in Ireland are under increasing
pressure and the loss of even one individual is a cause of great concern.
BirdWatch Ireland acknowledges the work that has been carried out in recent
years by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to help ensure the
conservation of our Hen Harrier population, however expressed concern in
relation to the lack of strategy, resources and enforcement of wildlife crime
in Ireland which has meant that incidents such as this have often passed
without any formal investigation.
BirdWatch Ireland is calling on An Garda
Siochána to launch an immediate investigation with a view to securing a
prosecution in this case.
John Lusby, BirdWatch Ireland's Raptor
Conservation Officer said "Ireland already has legislation in place to
protect our birds of prey but for that to be effective we need to see rigorous
enforcement of the law. At present Ireland's record of achieving prosecutions
leaves something to be desired" John continued "Such illegal
persecution of birds of prey, particularly when not addressed by the
authorities, impacts on our countryside but also on our international
reputation and in turn on the impression gained by potential visitors to our
country expecting to see wildlife"
BirdWatch Ireland also re-iterated the appeal
from NPWS for birdwatchers who know of winter roosts of Hen Harriers to be very
cautious to whom they disclose the locations of these sites to. Alan
Lauder, BirdWatch
Ireland's CEO added "It is very unfortunate that cases like this mean
that we have to keep the location of one of Ireland's most amazing natural
spectacles secret - we would like to see a day when members of the public can
experience for themselves the magnificent sight of these iconic birds of
Ireland's uplands coming together in the winter months. "
Hen harrier
The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a species of high conservation concern. Six Special Protected Areas in upland areas have been designated for Hen Harrier in Ireland.
The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a species of high conservation concern. Six Special Protected Areas in upland areas have been designated for Hen Harrier in Ireland.
Stable population
A national survey of Hen Harriers was carried out during 2010 with the aims of
quantifying the size of the breeding population and examining changes in the
national regional and SPA populations since the previous national survey in
2005. An estimated 128 to 172 breeding pairs were recorded within 69 10km
squares.
.
The national population appears to be stable since the last national survey, however severe regional declines were recorded, the causes of which remain largely unknown, but are potentially influenced by factors such as habitat change, persecution, development (e.g. windfarms) and various disturbance factors (e.g. peat extraction).
.
The national population appears to be stable since the last national survey, however severe regional declines were recorded, the causes of which remain largely unknown, but are potentially influenced by factors such as habitat change, persecution, development (e.g. windfarms) and various disturbance factors (e.g. peat extraction).
No comments:
Post a Comment