22 April 2013
Heads up for Harriers
New initiative urges public to report sightings of hen harriers
An initiative aimed at conserving one of Scotland’s most charismatic birds – the hen harrier – is launched today.
Environment Minister and chairman of the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW Scotland) Paul Wheelhouse is urging bird-watchers, land managers, hill-walkers and all other members of the public to look out for and report sightings of hen harriers. People are being asked to record details of gender, behaviour and place, date and time of sighting. This will help PAW Scotland to build valuable information on these birds, recording what happens to them in order to conserve the species for future generations.
Read the full press release...
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9 April 2013
Rhino DNA database established
Scientists at the Scottish Government are collating rhino DNA to set up a database to be used by police investigating rhino horn theft.
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27 March 2013
Egg thieves being targeted
A new element to this year’s operation will target those who take the eggs or chicks of birds of prey, to sell to illegal falconries.
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20 March 2013
Get Ready for Change
Countryside organisations within PAW Scotland are reminding those intending to use snares for legal predator control to make sure they are ready for the legislative changes to snaring that are due to take place from 1st April 2013.
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19 March 2013
Environmental criminals fined £15,000 for major water pollution
The directors of two companies were fined today for polluting waters in Perthshire and Argyll and killing a protected population of freshwater pearl mussels.
Read the full Crown Office press release
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14 March 2013
Sharp fall in birds of prey poisoned
Incidents drop by 70 per cent, but no cause for complacency.
The number of bird of prey poisoning incidents in Scotland has decreased significantly, according to the latest ‘hotspot map’ for 2012.
The maps published today by the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland, show the number and general location of confirmed illegal poisonings in 2012, and cumulative figures for 2008 to 2012. A total of three poisoning incidents were recorded in 2012 resulting in the deaths of three birds of prey: two buzzards and a golden eagle. This compares to 10 incidents and 16 birds of prey poisoned in 2011 – a drop in incident numbers of 70 per cent.
Poisoning Hotspots>>
To view the map 2008-2012>>
To view the map 2012>>
Read the Scottish Government News Release>>