RSPB Report Reveals Alarming Persecution of Rare Birds of Prey Linked to Gamebird Shooting
Rare birds of prey being shot, trapped and poisoned in crimes ‘linked’ to gamebird estate shoots
The Independent
Image: The Independent
A report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) highlights that over 900 rare birds of prey have been illegally killed in the UK from 2015 to 2024, with more than half of these cases linked to the gamebird shooting industry. The RSPB calls for stricter licensing to protect these species.
- 01From 2015 to 2024, there were at least 921 confirmed cases of bird of prey persecution in the UK.
- 02Buzzards were the most affected species, with 319 confirmed attacks, followed by red kites (157) and peregrines (97).
- 03Over half of the confirmed cases (55%) were associated with land managed for gamebird shooting.
- 04Only 24 individuals were convicted for these crimes during the study period, with most being gamekeepers.
- 05The RSPB advocates for licensing gamebird shooting to provide better protection for birds of prey.
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A new report from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reveals that between 2015 and 2024, at least 921 cases of illegal persecution of rare birds of prey were recorded in the UK, with over half linked to the gamebird shooting industry. Buzzards were the most affected, with 319 confirmed incidents, followed by red kites and peregrines. The report emphasizes that these figures likely underestimate the true extent of the problem, as many cases go unreported. The RSPB calls for a licensing system for gamebird shooting, citing insufficient legal protections for these birds despite existing laws. The report also highlights that only 24 individuals were convicted for such crimes, predominantly gamekeepers. RSPB officials assert that without stronger deterrents, the illegal killing of birds of prey will persist, undermining conservation efforts.
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The illegal killing of birds of prey threatens local biodiversity and conservation efforts in the UK.
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