Walsall peregrine falcons in poison horror

PEREGRINE falcons are being targeted by pigeon fanciers in Walsall – so the RSPB are calling for the birds to be added to a protected list to enable better protection.

In February a banned pesticide, Aldicarb, was found strapped to the leg of a live pigeon recovered in Walsall. The substance is known to have been popular in wildlife poisoning cases.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds investigations team believe pills are being attached to racing pigeons in an attempt to poison the birds of prey.

Poisoning, trapping and shooting of peregrines, pictured, have been some of the most 'horrific' cases on record this year, the RSPB said. The year looks set to be the worst on record for crimes against peregrines, with more than 50 incidents already having been confirmed, with more set to be processed.

By comparison in 2007 there were 79 incidents for the whole year.

As a consequence the RSPB is urging the Government to add peregrines to its list of priority species for wildlife crime enforcement.

Mark Thomas, RSPB Investigations Officer, said: "It has been a terrible year. One of the worst I can remember. In the last few weeks, barely a day has gone by without a call about peregrine persecution.

"These crimes are cruel, needless and selfish. That they happen at all in the 21st Century is a disgrace.

"Peregrines have taken 30 years to recover from the devastating effects of pesticide poisoning and still we find them targeted by people who hold a grudge against them.

"This has included rogue elements within the pigeon racing and game shooting communities, who blame them for the loss of their birds."

The Government recently made the persecution of birds of prey one of the UK's wildlife crime priorities, with five key species protected, excluding peregrines.

Mr Thomas added: "We urgently need the Government to place peregrines on the list of priority species for wildlife crime enforcement and make sure captive birds are properly registered."