28/08/2015

Red Kites Illegally Killed In Scotland

It has emerged two red kites were illegally killed in last year in northern Scotland.

Details of the deaths have been made public following the conclusion of police enquiries.

Both of the incidents happened shortly after an illegal poisoning incident that killed at least 12 red kites and four buzzards in spring 2014.

The first bird found near Beauly was shot, while the second was poisoned near Nairnshire.

Both of the kites had been fitted with satellite tags by RSPB Scotland.

Duncan Orr-Ewing, Head of Species and Land Management for RSPB Scotland said: "Since red kite reintroductions began in Scotland in 1989, over 100 birds have been confirmed as illegally killed, with a significant majority of the victims found poisoned.

"The real figure will be much higher as the finding of these satellite tagged birds demonstrates. Our scientific modelling work has shown that illegal persecution of red kites, particularly in the north of Scotland, is having a significant impact on population growth and range expansion."

The RSPB has encouraged anyone with any information to contact police.

(LM)

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