Birdcrime 2006

Published in September, 2007 by the RSPB Scotland, this report shows that bird of prey persecution is at the highest level in Scotland over the last 20 years; in 2006 an increase of 50% in the number of raptors deliberately killed, or poisoned baits found, over those identified in 2005.

2006 brought an increase of 50% from 2005 in the number of raptors deliberately killed, or poisoned baits found. Poisoned baits were the method most frequently used, though shooting, trapping, destroying nests and removing or killing eggs and young have also been employed. The patterns of these killings “correspond with the main distribution of game shooting in Scotland–both with grouse moors and the release of pheasants for shooting.”

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds recorded 853 incidents of persecution from 2001-2006, but only 12 convictions were made.

Report Table of Contents

• Summary of reported incidents in 2006
• Shooting and destruction of birds of prey
• Poisoning
• Egg collecting
• Trade in wild birds
• Other wild bird crime
• Recorded prosecutions in 2006
• Review of 2006
• National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU)
• Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW)
• RSPB online reporting success
• Legal Eagle celebrates 50th edition
• Peak Malpractice update
• Scottish forum launched
• New arrest powers for all wildlife offences
• Natural Environment and Communities Act
• Schedule 4 update
• COTES update
• New poisoning legislation in Scotland
• Strychnine banned
• EU bans Wild Bird Trade for good
• Staff changes at RSPB 2001-2006

Appendix

• Incidents reported to the RSPB 2001-2006
• Regional breakdown of incidents
• Distribution of confirmed birds of prey and owl persecution incidents 2006
• Confirmed and probable birds of prey and owl persecution during 2006
• Confirmed poison abuse incidents during 2006
• Schedule 1 nest robberies during 2006
• Bird related prosecutions in 2006