Birdcrime report 2016
Why is the rate of raptor persecution in North Yorkshire more than double that of any other county in the UK?
The rate of raptor persecution is highest in North Yorkshire
What’s going on?
Confirmed instances of birds of prey, or raptors, being shot, poisoned or suffering other forms of persecution (ie, nest destruction) are kept by the RSPB. Its records show that from 2012–2016, there were 54 known incidents in North Yorkshire, with the next highest number in Scottish Borders (22), Powys (22) and Aberdeenshire (20). Other counties with poor records were Norfolk, Angus and Derbyshire.
Why are raptors persecuted?
Raptor persecution in the UK occurs in two main areas – first, on or around grouse moors, where hen harriers, golden eagles and – to a lesser extent – peregrine falcons are blamed for taking red grouse, thus reducing the number available during the shooting season. Targeting of red kites, goshawks and buzzards takes place in lowland areas where there are intensive ‘rear-and-release’ pheasant operations. Killing, or interfering with, any bird of prey is illegal.
Why is it so bad in N Yorks?
The RSPB says the extent of driven grouse-shooting, where there is a greater pressure on gamekeepers to produce a large surplus of grouse for clients, is the key reason. Head of investigations Bob Elliot says while there has been some movement on the issue in Scotland in terms of legislation, it was not high up the political agenda in England. Elliott adds that the figures only represent “the tip of the iceberg” and repeats the RSPB’s call for shooting estates to be licensed.
Don’t the police take action?
They do investigate where a crime has been committed, but prosecutions are rare, even where there is evidence against an individual. A gamekeeper in the Yorkshire Dales filmed on a covert camera setting pole traps (to catch hen harriers) admitted to the offence but only received a police caution, while another gamekeeper was secretly recorded burying a stash of pesticides (used to lace carcasses). He wasn’t taken to court because the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was not satisfied with the accuracy of the identification of the man.
What does the industry say?
The Moorland Association, which represents grouse moor estates in England, says figures relating to “reported” (as opposed to “confirmed”) persecution showed a marked reduction since 2011, from 504 to 324, “indicating there has been very significant progess”. Reported incidents are higher where there are growing numbers of birds of prey, the association adds, and North Yorkshire is a very large county. On the issue of licensing, which it opposes, it says: “In other countries where licensing has been introduced, wildlife crime still exists.”
James Fair