UK calls for action to save rare birds of prey

The UK is asking world governments to sign up to an agreement that would protect migratory birds of prey and owls - including vultures, eagles, harriers, kites, kestrels and falcons - throughout Africa, and in the Eurasian region.

Many of these species face major threats, such as shooting, poisoning, illegal trade or loss of habitat through intensive land use, somewhere in their migratory range within Africa / Eurasia.

Each spring and autumn, these inter-continental migrants make long and arduous journeys. Due to their size and structure, many species find long flights over water difficult, so they tend to concentrate in flyways with narrow sea crossings, called bottlenecks. At these sites they are particularly vulnerable to persecution or major habitat changes, which may affect whole populations.

Research carried out by NatureBureau for Defra, published in September this year, found that more than half of the 60 species of migratory birds of prey found in Africa and Eurasia are threatened, either globally or within this region, with extinction. Defra believes that, if all the countries in which these birds live, migrate through or over winter were to work together to protect both them and their habitats, the species could be saved.

Speaking at the eighth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species, which is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, UK Biodiversity Minister Jim Knight said: "Of all types of birds, birds of prey have always fascinated people, because of their grace, speed, agility and strength. They are majestic and rare. Indeed, they are iconic. They can live long lives - hence the 'wise old owl' - but they have low breeding rates.

"Being at the top of their food chain, birds of prey are particularly vulnerable to poisoning and pollution, as the toxins in their prey accumulate throughout their lives. Migratory birds of prey are also threatened by climate change, if, for example, the climactic conditions at their usual destinations become inhospitable or their food supply disappears. This makes them sentinels for environmental change and we should respect and conserve them for this too."

Mr McKnight said that while birds of prey are already protected in many countries, migratory species required international co-operation measures to ensure conservation.

The UK has proposed an inter-governmental conference to assist the process.

"If we can find the key to protecting migratory species throughout their ranges - the areas where they live and breed, those over which they fly, and in which they over winter - we may be able to unlock a door to securing the future of these truly spectacular birds so that our grandchildren - and their grandchildren - can enjoy them too," said Mr McKnight.

Recent surveys by the RSPB revealed that the Buzzard, once one of the most persecuted raptors in the UK, had re-established some of its range in Scottish lowlands.

In parts of the UK, the eagle owl, believed to have been absent for over 100 years, has returned to set up breeding colonies and has now been seen as far west as in Ireland.

(SP/KMcA)