This makes interesting reading, following on from a recent thread on
nest vandalism in Aus
LK
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3514415.stm
Police protection for rare birds
Tuesday, 24 February, 2004
One of Britain's most endangered birds of prey is to receive police
protection as forces across the country launch an initiative to halt
its persecution.
Hen harriers prey on grouse chicks, and many are shot or poisoned and
their eggs destroyed on shooting estates.
Tuesday's launch of Operation Artemis makes harming hen harriers one of
the most serious wildlife crimes in the UK.
Anyone harming the birds, their nests or eggs faces a fine of up to
£5,000 or six months in prison for each incident.
Rural beat officers will visit game and land managers to inform them of
the police powers and ask them to support the initiative.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) wildlife crime
investigations section head Graham Elliott called the initiative a
"wake-up call to hen harrier persecutors".
"Any suspicion of crime against hen harriers will be a high priority
for police officers," he added.
North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom said the hen harrier
would be "afforded the highest level of legal protection".
"Extinction of any species of wildlife in the UK through criminal
activity is unacceptable in the 21st century," he added.
Last year there were just 22 breeding attempts by hen harriers in
England, and only eight were successful.
There were a further 18 pairs nesting in Wales, and between 365 and 506
in Scotland.
RSPB regional director Andy Bunten said: "The absence of hen harriers
from wide swathes of upland England is a national disgrace.
"It is high time we reached a situation where we no longer have to
guard harrier nests 24 hours a day, where harriers can nest without
constant danger of persecution, and members of the public can have
opportunities to enjoy watching these spectacular birds," he added.
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