The Nature of Scotland – Autumn 2011 – Issue 13

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