RSPB Report Documents Bird of Prey Persecution

The RSPB's recent Birdcrime report highlights a disturbing pattern of illegal bird of prey killings across the UK, with 1,529 confirmed incidents involving 1,344 individual birds from 2009 to 2023. Wales reported 102 of these cases, with two-thirds linked to poisoning, while Scotland saw approximately 400 incidents, reflecting significant persecution particularly in areas managed for gamebird shooting. All birds of prey are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; however, enforcement has been weak, with only one conviction in the past 15 years. The report underscores that these figures likely represent just the 'tip of the iceberg', as many incidents occur in remote areas and go unreported. The RSPB is calling for urgent legislative changes to implement stricter regulations on gamebird shooting to protect these vulnerable species. Without such reforms, the ongoing illegal killings threaten the recovery of species like the White-tailed Eagle and Hen Harrier.