The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13
The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13
The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13
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Wildlife poisoning cases increase<br />
Birds <strong>of</strong> prey, wild mammals, livestock and pets were all victims <strong>of</strong> accidental or<br />
deliberate poisoning across <strong>Scotland</strong> last year.<br />
Figures unveiled by the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme show an<br />
increase in the number <strong>of</strong> cases investigated in 2010, with some involving<br />
incorrect storage and use <strong>of</strong> approved pesticides.<br />
Among the incidents highlighted in a report by the Scottish Government’s<br />
Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture were:<br />
– a piglet that escaped from its enclosure and died after eating rodent baits left<br />
by the previous occupant <strong>of</strong> the farm;<br />
– 22 abuse incidents involving birds <strong>of</strong> prey, including <strong>13</strong> buzzards, seven red<br />
kites and four golden eagles;<br />
– illness <strong>of</strong> a working dog following exposure to sheep dip chemicals; and<br />
– an unlabelled glass jar found on a farm containing potentially lethal cyanide.<br />
<strong>The</strong> illegal use <strong>of</strong> carb<strong>of</strong>uran (an insecticide) accounted for more than half <strong>of</strong><br />
all 32 abuse incidents, with nine different pesticides detected in the remaining<br />
incidents. <strong>The</strong> report also revealed that 69% <strong>of</strong> all abuse cases involved the<br />
poisoning <strong>of</strong> birds <strong>of</strong> prey.<br />
Environment minister Stewart Stevenson said the report highlighted the<br />
devastating impact that actions such as these could have, and the number <strong>of</strong><br />
birds <strong>of</strong> prey being deliberately poisoned remained a concern.<br />
“<strong>Scotland</strong>’s natural environment is one <strong>of</strong> our most valuable assets,” he added,<br />
“and it’s essential that we protect it and ensure that pesticide use is regulated<br />
appropriately.”<br />
Luke Borwick, chairman <strong>of</strong> Scottish Land and Estates, which represents 2,500<br />
landowners, said they were working hard to reduce these kinds <strong>of</strong> incidents. “This<br />
requires a sustained approach over time and there’s evidence these joint efforts<br />
are beginning to pay <strong>of</strong>f,” he added.<br />
“Early indications for the first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>2011</strong> show there’s been a significant<br />
decrease in illegal poisoning incidents at a time when some species are<br />
increasing rapidly.”<br />
NEWS<br />
www.snh.gov.uk 21