34 birds of prey were found poisoned last year – and it's the tip of the iceberg

AT LEAST 34 birds of prey were poisoned in Scotland last year, a new report has revealed.

RSPB Scotland, which carried out the research, said the numbers were probably just the tip of the iceberg.

Victims ranged from a golden eagle – one of the only breeding pair in the Borders – to peregrines and buzzards.

Twelve red kites were poisoned, making it the worst year on record for persecution of that rare species.

All the dead birds were tested by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, which revealed the presence of poison.

Most commonly, bait was laced with the agricultural pesticide carbofuran, a chemical that has been banned since 2001.

The report showed there were 37 separate confirmed incidents involving poisoning. In some cases poison was found, but no victims. This was a reduction compared to 2006, when there were 42 confirmed incidents.

However, it was still higher than the annual average for 1999 to 2006, which was 27.

And the report, Bird of Prey Persecution 2007, showed there were a further 32 alleged incidents of raptor poisoning reported to RSPB Scotland, which could not be confirmed.

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said:

"These figures are deeply troubling, especially when we know that wildlife crime takes place in remote areas, where it is relatively easy to conceal evidence of wrong-doing.

"These confirmed cases must represent a tip of an iceberg. While we know that many land managers behave responsibly, it is important that they stand up and provide information to the police on criminal activity against wildlife that comes to their attention.

"Sweeping these issues under the carpet is not acceptable.

"Only in this way will the problem be stamped out once and for all."

In addition to poisonings, there were 78 reports of other illegal activities, such as traps discovered that were intended to catch birds of prey, nest destruction, intentional disturbance of breeding raptors and deliberate shooting.

Of these, 17 were confirmed incidents, 30 were classed as probable and in the remaining there was not enough evidence.

RSPB Scotland says birds of prey produce so few young during their lives that illegal killing is putting populations of rare raptors such as golden eagles and red kites at risk.

The charity called for adequate resources to be made available for the investigation of crimes against raptors.

There were just three prosecutions last year for crimes against birds of prey. Penalties ranged from community service to a £1,000 fine.

A thematic review earlier this year advised bringing in a wildlife crime officer for each police force in Scotland.

Duncan Orr-Ewing, the head of species and land management at RSPB Scotland, said there was a link between the areas where bird-of-prey persecution took place and grouse moors.

"In Wales, where they now only have a few grouse moors, this problem has almost disappeared," he said.

Just last week, it was revealed a sea eagle had been discovered poisoned near Glenogil estate in Angus.

Michael Russell, the environment minister, said crimes against birds of prey were "absolutely unacceptable", and he demanded the perpetrators were brought to justice.

He added: "I fully support the RSPB in continuing to raise awareness of the shameful blight on Scotland that is bird poisoning, and I expect to work closely with them in the near future."

The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association, which represents the interests of landowners in Scotland, declined to comment on the report.