Anger over failures to save Scottish wildlife
BY ROB EDWARDS
POLICE, gamekeepers and conservationists are all under fire for failing to work together to tackle wildlife crime, claims a report by MSPs. There is “clear distrust” between gamekeepers and conservationists over the persecution of birds of prey and “gaps” in the work of Police Scotland, claims the Scottish Parliament’s Environment Committee.
The committee has asked Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham to strengthen the group Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in Scotland (PAWS) set up by the Scottish Government.
The illegal killing of birds of prey such as eagles, hen harriers and red kites has long been the cause of bitter argument. Wildlife groups say that gamekeepers managing grouse moors for sport escape prosecution, although this is fiercely denied.
Ministers set up PAWS to bring all sides together to tackle wildlife crime. But an inquiry by the Environment Committee claims the group is beset by deep divisions.
MSPs were “alarmed at the clear distrust between some stakeholders”, said the committee. “Wildlife crime is everyone’s problem and while it welcomes the public condemnation of such crimes by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association and others it is of the view that more must be done by all concerned in terms of reporting to and co-operating with Police Scotland.”
The committee accused the RSPB in Scotland of ignoring PAWS’ protocols by failing to contact landowners when investigating the disappearance of birds.
RSPB Scotland insisted this was permissible under the protocols, which it followed “to the letter”. The committee claimed Police Scotland lacked intelligence on whether losses of wildlife in specific areas were due to natural change or illegal persecution.
It said this work must be prioritised to get a clear picture of wildlife crime in Scotland.
The committee’s convener, SNP MSP Graeme Dey, called for “zero tolerance” of wildlife crime. “Tackling this issue effectively requires genuine, collaborative working and the committee was disappointed to see the clear distrust and tension which exists between some of those whose participation is so essential,” he said.
“The committee is calling for greater partnership working between all organisations including Police Scotland, the RSPB and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association operating within PAWS.”
RSPB Scotland stressed it was fully committed to PAWS. “There are tensions between some PAWS partners over the scale and impact of crimes against some raptor populations,” said the wildlife group’s Duncan Orr-Ewing. “This is despite the fact that overwhelming corroborative facts have been presented over many years of a serious problem. Changes in illegal practices on the ground will not be implemented unless acceptance of what may be an unpalatable truth is agreed by all PAWS partners.”
Orr-Ewing pointed out that RSPB Scotland always followed police advice when searching for missing birds of prey. “We will always work through the police, and not through other third parties who may be suspects in any case,” he said.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell criticised Police Scotland. “It’s clear the police are leaving gaps in their investigatory and reporting work,” he said.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sean Scott said: “Police Scotland is aware of the content of the committee letter to the Cabinet Secretary. We continue to work with partners to tackle wildlife crime.”
The Scottish Gamekeepers Association declined to comment.