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Birds of prey conference
22/10/2007
The world's largest conference on birds of prey is being held in Scotland for the first time this week on the banks of Loch Lomond.
The International Conference on Migratory Raptors was opened this morning by Scotland's Minister for Environment Michael Russell and includes delegates from over 50 African and Eurasian countries, from as far afield as China and Uzbekistan.
While species conservation is top of the agenda, Mr Russell used the occasion to highlight Scotland's ongoing problem with bird poisoning.
He said:
"I am delighted to see so many delegates from around the world at Loch Lomond today. Birds of prey are iconic species for Scotland, but the huge international presence shows that we are not alone in our respect and admiration for raptors.
"Scotland is home to a number of migratory species including the osprey, the marsh harrier and long and short-eared owls, for which conservation is vital.
"Sadly, though, there are a number of individuals in this country who still feel it is acceptable to persecute and poison these magnificent birds.
"However, I am encouraged by the new willingness to work together being shown by conservationists and land managers. As we make progress here, it is timely that international protection for migratory species is also strengthened.
"Scotland is home to the majority of raptors within the UK and I look forward to the development of a new international agreement aimed at conserving migratory birds of prey and owls in Africa and Eurasia."
UK Environment Minister Joan Ruddock added:
"There is no doubt these magnificent birds are under serious threat. Our commitment to their conservation is clear. The Government has brought together experts from around the world to develop an agreement for their conservation. I have pledged an initial £10,000 towards the practical conservation work that an agreement will undertake.
"Such an agreement would build on current conservation efforts. In the UK we have had success at re-introducing the Red Kite in England and Scotland, the White-tailed Sea Eagle to Scotland, and are working to extend the range of the Osprey.
"The agreement would address the future problems that climate change will bring to these migratory birds, and has the potential to contribute to our objective of halting the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010."
Professor Colin Galbraith, Director of Policy and Advice at Scottish Natural Heritage and Chairman of the Conference also said:
"Migratory birds of prey include some of the most threatened species worldwide and their populations are excellent indicators of the state of the wider environment.
"This meeting provides a unique opportunity for governments and other organisations to come together to address some of the key issues affecting birds of prey, including persecution, habitat destruction and the long term effects of pollution.
"I am confident that the meeting will lead to a new conservation plan for these species in the 21st century."
Figures released in September showed that at least 455 birds had been killed by poisoning in Scotland since May 1999. The figures cover a mixture of species including birds of prey, corvids (crows, ravens, magpies) and other smaller birds. A total of 168 poisoned baits were also recovered over the same period.
Most of the raptors to be found within the UK are within Scotland. The main migratory raptor species is the osprey. However there are a range of other summer migrants including marsh harriers, honey buzzards, and hobbies, and winter migrants including long and short-eared owls, gyr falcons, sparrow-hawks and peregrines. Altogether there are probably around a dozen species of raptors and owls that pass through Scotland.