The RSPB is calling for better application of the laws that protect UK raptors, as the Birdcrime 2014 report highlights that illegal persecution continues to prevent some of our native birds of prey from recovering to their natural levels.
In 2014, the RSPB received 36 reports of bird of prey incidents in North Yorkshire, the highest number in any county in the UK. Confirmed incidents include three shot buzzards, a shot little owl, and an illegally trapped buzzard.
In West Yorkshire, there were five recorded incidents, which included a shot red kite and a buzzard caught in an illegal spring trap. The RSPB also received seven reports of bird of prey incidents in East Riding of Yorkshire and six in South Yorkshire.
Nationally, the nature conservation organisation received 179 reports of shooting and destruction of birds of prey and 72 reported incidents of wildlife poisoning and pesticide-related offences. These figures are believed to represent only a fraction of the illegal persecution in the UK, with many incidents thought to be going undetected and unreported.
Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director, said: “The problem of illegal persecution has tarnished the UK for decades and continues to do so. Strong action is needed now to deliver the effective protection that our birds of prey so urgently need.”
The RSPB’s annual Birdcrime report is the only centralised source of incident data for wild bird crime in the UK. It illustrates the nature of the raptor persecution problem identified by a number of scientific studies, Government reports and police intelligence.
Martin Harper concluded: “There’s no place in any society for the unjustified and illegal activity that robs many people of the chance to see these beautiful birds flourish. We applaud the efforts of law enforcement officers across the UK who work to prevent, investigate and prosecute wildlife crimes. However, more effective sanctions and penalties are needed that represent a meaningful deterrent to ensure that no one can profit from wildlife crimes.”
