Shame of North Yorkshire's 'killing fields'
MORE birds of prey were killed in North Yorkshire last year than anywhere else in northern England, says the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
There were no fewer than 80 reported incidents in the county, says the RSPB, which is launching a campaign to stamp out the illegal persecution.
While the population of birds of prey is rising in some parts of the UK, species such as golden eagles, hen harriers, goshawks, buzzards, red kites and peregrine falcons are being wiped out in other regions, particularly in the English uplands.
The RSPB blames gamekeepers and people who shoot for sport for "systematically wiping out these iconic species".
It says the killing will stop golden eagles recolonising southern Scotland and northern England, and is putting the hen harrier at risk.
Last year only 15 pairs of hen harriers nested successfully in England - and three of these were on moors which are managed for grouse shooting.
The RSPB is now challenging landowners and managers to help to boost this figure to 40 by the year 2010, with half of these being on grouse moors.
Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB's conservation director, said: "Visitors to upland England would rightly expect to see a diversity of birds of prey, but our initial evidence shows that in some areas these birds are being targeted before the birds can establish themselves.
"We can only improve the fortunes of hen harriers and other birds of prey with the help and commitment of moorland owners and managers.
Killing
"For decades we have worked to improve the situation, but in areas of upland Britain progress has stalled and, in some, is worsening. Birds of prey are amazing. Let's keep them that way and stop the killing."
Dr Peter Robertson, the RSPB's northern England conservation manager, added: "It is outrageous that birds of prey are still being killed illegally and that these fantastic birds are destroyed before they can cast their shadows on some of our most beautiful wild places.
"The skies are owned by no-one, but a callous few want to deprive the nation of some of our most charismatic wildlife."
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) said in a statement this week that it unequivocally condemned all persecution of birds of prey.
Members found guilty of killing them or related offences would be expelled.
"BASC works closely with shooters and conservationists, including the RSPB, to research and advise on how to reduce possible conflict between birds of prey and game," said the statement.
"The success in lowland England is there for all to see where buzzards, sparrow hawks and red kites have increased in recent years. Shooters and conservationists must continue working together to see a similar improvement in the uplands."
Those wanting to pledge their support and help the RSPB in its latest campaign to save birds of prey can do so by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/birdsofprey.
picture by RSPB/PA
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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