Conservationists criticise plan to send rare vulture back home

THE Peak District National Park has caused a row with conservationists by suggesting that a bird of prey may have to be “repatriated” due to fears for its safety.

The bearded vulture has been nesting in the park since June and it is believed to be only the second time one has been spotted in the UK.

Experts think it originated from the Alps or the Pyrenees and they have observed it “behaving normally”.

But now the national park has caused confusion by issuing a statement suggesting the bird may have to be “returned” to where it originated.

Sarah Fowler, the park’s chief executive, said: “Although any intervention remains a last resort, conservation experts both locally and from the continent are already exploring how the bird may be returned safely to its home reintroduction area, as all individual bearded vultures remain vital to the scheme.”

She cited “changeable weather conditions” in the autumn as a concern for the bird’s welfare, as well as “wildlife crime” potentially hindering its survival in the area. But conservation groups have said there is “no need” to take action and it could even be a criminal offence to do so.

José Tavares, director of the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF), said: “At this stage there is no need to intervene unless the bird becomes grounded due to weakness, injury or other cause and is in need of treatment.”

He said that although threats do exist to the bird, such as lead poisoning if it were to eat an animal which had been shot, or collisions with overhead wires, these perils exist in many parts of its normal range in Europe. Since the national park’s statement was released, conservationists in France and Spain have also contacted the VCF raising concerns over the suggestion stating: “This isn’t normal protocol.”

Louis Phipps, a conservation biologist and research officer at VCF, said: “It doesn’t make sense” to try and capture the bird “just because people are concerned”.

The RSPB said that the vulture is protected under European law and any attempt to capture it, if it wasn’t sick or without a licence, would be a criminal offence.

Responding to the confusion, a Peak District National Park spokesman said specialists would be consulted before any intervention.

Experts hope the vulture will eventually make its way back across the Channel of its own accord.