The RSPB’s annual Birdcrime report printed at present particulars unlawful capturing, trapping and poisoning of protected birds of prey throughout Wales.
Amongst the victims are Buzzards, Red Kites, Goshawks, Hen Harriers, Peregrine Falcons and White-tailed Eagles. All these species are protected by legal guidelines designed to assist our rarest and threatened species.
The latest Birdcrime report paperwork eight confirmed incidents of raptor persecution in Wales in 2022. A Goshawk and a Red Kite had been discovered shot in Powys and there have been three separate incidents throughout the nation involving a complete of 5 Common Buzzards, which all died after ingesting excessive ranges of the insecticide, Bendiocarb.
Gamebird capturing
In 2022, 63% of confirmed incidents in Wales had been related to land managed for gamebird capturing. Evidence reveals that on some capturing estates, birds of prey are intentionally focused to scale back potential predation on gamebird shares and to keep away from quarry species being disturbed on shoot days. Many historic raptor persecution circumstances in Wales, and incidents confirmed in 2022 have been linked to land managed for gamebirds.
Because of this, RSPB Cymru continues to name for the licensing of gamebird capturing in Wales, to supply a significant deterrent and finish the unlawful killing of birds of prey.
Poison baits are unlawful however are sometimes specified by areas the place birds of prey are current. In June 2022, a gamekeeper on a pheasant capturing property in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog was fined for pesticide storage offences following the invention of a poisoned Red Kite, a poison bait and a shot Buzzard on the land.
Survival threatened
In 2021, Bendiocarb was detected in 80% of all hen of prey poisoning abuse circumstances in Wales. Concerningly, this elevated to 100% in 2022. This soon-to-be withdrawn insecticide, is now probably the most recorded substance in confirmed raptor poisoning abuse circumstances throughout the UK.
Birdcrime 2022 additionally consists of two confirmed incidents in Wales the place unlawful traps had been being operated to unlawfully goal specific species of birds of prey, such because the Goshawk.
Julian Hughes, RSPB Cymru Head of Species stated: “The valuable habitat which Wales has to offer makes it a significant stronghold for many birds of prey, but continued persecution means that the survival of many of these species is seriously threatened. Through commitment on the ground and calls for legislative change, we remain determined to put an end to these barbaric crimes. Poisoning, trapping and shooting of these magnificent birds must stop now”.
Niall Owen, RSPB Cymru Investigations Officer stated: “As highlighted in the Birdcrime report, although all forms of persecution continue to take place in Wales, concerningly the illegal poisoning of birds of prey seems to have been a favoured method despite the dangers to the public. Due to the remote rural locations that many of these crimes take place, we believe a fraction of the actual number of incidents are detected across Wales and ask the public to remain vigilant.”
If you discover a lifeless or injured hen of prey in suspicious circumstances, name the police on 101 and fill within the RSPB’s on-line reporting type:
If you might have details about anybody killing birds of prey which you want to report anonymously, name the RSPB’s confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.
Support our Nation at present
For the value of a cup of espresso a month you’ll be able to assist us create an
unbiased, not-for-profit, nationwide information service for the individuals of Wales, by
the individuals of Wales.
