Bird of prey crime maps show incidents on the rise

SHÂN ROSS

09:52Saturday 19 March 2016

Shootings, poisoning and trapping are among techniques used to kill raptors

Birds involved include buzzards, red kites, peregrine falcons and goshawks

The annual Scottish bird of prey crime maps, released today reveal 20 crimes were recorded last year, including six poisonings.

Wildlife crime is not acceptable in a modern Scotland and this is why we are doing all we can to end the illegal killing of birds of prey

The maps by the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime(PAW) Scotland show a slight increase from the 18 recorded crimes in 2014.

The birds involved include buzzards, red kites, peregrine falcons, goshawks, osprey and a hen harrier.

Poisoning was the most common crime, but there were also five shootings, five disturbances, three trapping or attempted trappings and one chick theft.

Dr Aileen McLeod, minister for environment, climate change and land reform, said it was disappointing not to see a decrease in incidents.

“Wildlife crime is not acceptable in a modern Scotland and this is why we are doing all we can to end the illegal killing of birds of prey and working in partnership with stakeholders to achieve that.

“Scotland already has the strongest wildlife legislation in the UK and last month I accepted proposals from the wildlife crime penalties review group to introduce tough new maximum penalties for those who commit crimes against wildlife. This sends out a clear message to those who commit crimes against birds of prey – that this will not be tolerated.”

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