nature

kites. The Directives have also helped reduce persecution;
poisoning in the lowlands is now largely history.
However, important principles of Article 7 of the Directive
– including wise use, ecologically-balanced control, and
the principle that hunting does not jeopardise conservation
efforts – are not properly met. Moreover, inadequate
enforcement of these provisions has resulted in a failure
to prevent persecution of birds through deliberate killing,
nest destruction and disturbance of birds of prey species,
particularly in areas intensively managed for driven
shooting of red grouse.
Low detection rates, and the low level of penalties applied
where convictions are secured, have made the law an
ineffective deterrent to illegal destruction of wildlife,
notably protected birds of prey. Sentencing for wildlife
crime should reflect the damage done and provide a real
deterrent to offenders; there is a strong case for increasing
the penalties associated with wildlife crime.
Public outrage at the illegal killing of birds on migration
through Malta resulted in a referendum there this spring,
and the British public were vocal in their condemnation of
the terrible slaughter. It is thanks to the Nature Directives
that we have a legitimate say in what happens in other
countries; however, we must acknowledge that illegal
practices continue in the UK and put a stop to wildlife
crime at home. Fantastic wildlife like the hen harrier could
disappear in England unless we change our ways.
The UK currently has no system of licensing for hunting
despite ongoing problems with illegal killing of birds of
prey and damaging habitat management on some estates,
particularly intensive driven grouse moors. The UK is the
only EU Member State not to licence hunting. A more
effective deterrent is needed to improve enforcement of
legal protection for some of our best loved species
and sites.
A robust licensing system for driven grouse shoots
would be an effective way to prevent damaging
and sometimes illegal behaviour. Licences should
be revoked immediately for criminal persecution of
wildlife, or for unlawful land management practices.
The system should be designed to build in the
management conditions stipulated in Article 7 of the
Birds Directive. Vicarious liability should be established
for persecution in England, so that the shoot
organisers can be held responsible for criminal activity
undertaken on their behalf.
Steve Knell (rspb-images.com)
Hen harrier – arguably the UK’s most persecuted bird of prey.
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