Buzzard poisoned in Fife

Buzzard sent for post-mortem

February 2011: Fife Police are investigating the suspected poisoning of a buzzard, reports the Fife Partnership against Wildlife Crime, which includes Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

CONCERN: The buzzard is 'an important part of biodiversity', says the SNH

The raptor was found by a member of the public close to Lewes Wood on the Montquhanie Estate near Cupar at the end of January.
Fife Police has confirmed that the bird has been sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death and identify the nature of any poison that may have been used.

‘We will trace those responsible'
PC Ian Laing, Wildlife and Environmental Crime Co-ordinator, said: ‘Fortunately, Fife has not experienced raptor poisoning as much as other areas, but this case is a concern.

'Once we have confirmed the cause of death, we will be able to look at the potential source of any poisons used with a view to tracing those responsible.'

Scottish Natural Heritage area operations manager, Kath Leys, said: ‘We're very concerned about this suspected poisoning case in Fife. Buzzards may be fairly common nowadays, but they're beautiful birds which are an important part of biodiversity. The Fife Partnership Against Wildlife Crime was set up to help deal with exactly this type of situation, and we and our partners are committed to tackling poisonings and other wildlife crime in the area.'

The find comes during a national Biocide and Pesticide Disposal scheme, aimed at the safe collection and disposal of a variety of potentially poisonous compounds commonly used in agriculture. Many of the chemicals commonly used to poison raptors and other wildlife can be found in and around farm premises, so this scheme will help prevent them from being improperly used by unscrupulous individuals.

Scheme to dispose of dangerous pesticides cheaply and safely
The Government-backed scheme makes it possible to dispose of any unwanted, out-of-date or revoked biocides and pesticides, for a one-off cost of £20. Any farmers, growers, gamekeepers and pest controllers who believe that they may be in possession of such chemicals are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to dispose of dangerous chemicals before it ends on March 14.

A Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in Scotland spokesperson said: ‘PAW Scotland welcomes this scheme and hopes that it will contribute to removing some of the chemicals that we all too frequently find involved in the poisoning of our wildlife.'

RAPTOR POISONING IN BRITAIN: An ongoing shame

All too many cases of raptor poisoning in Scotland are brought to Wildlife Extra's attention - and the work being done by agencies to counter this is to be commended. Here are just some of the killings that we have reported on:  

• Six eagles and nine buzzards among 21 raptors found poisoned across Britain and Ireland May 2010 
• Worst year on record for bird poisoning in Scotland - 2009 July 2010 
• Gamekeeper on Scottish estate convicted of placing poison bait November 2010