OPERATION WILDERNESS TAKES OFF
RSPB welcomes Police operation to tackle bird-crime in
Devon
The RSPB has welcomed a
major operation by Devon and Cornwall Police to tackle wild bird crime in Devon.
Spearheaded by county Police Wildlife Crime Officer Josh Marshall Operation
Wilderness will use covert camera’s to collect evidence on the illegal
disturbance of some of the county’s rarest and most vulnerable
birds.
The Operation is a
response to last year’s shocking series of crimes against birds of prey in the
county. In separate incidents four goshawks, a buzzard and a peregrine were all
found poisoned.
Tony Whitehead of RSPB
South West said; “Crimes against wild birds continues to be a problem in Devon
and Cornwall. In a survey recently the area was identified as the fifth worst in
England. We remain particularly concerned about the spate of bird of prey
poisonings last year and persistent threat from a small but obsessive community
of egg collectors. There is also growing concern about a small number of
reckless and irresponsible wildlife photographers who disturb sensitive
species.”
The cameras were kindly
donated by The Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society. The intention is to
place them at pre-identified locations within Devon at the nest sites of
previously targeted species and of species that are considered vulnerable to
persecution or disturbance. Volunteers have been identified who will locate the
difficult to find nest sites and place the camera in situ. All of these persons
will be acting under the necessary license. The camera will be left in place for
the duration of the nesting attempt. The cameras will not be able to stop an
attempt on the nest or birds. However, it will hopefully be able to provide
sufficient evidence to assist with a prosecution.
Tony Whitehead added;
“This is a great initiative by the police and we hope that the knowledge that
key species are being watched in the places they nest will deter the people that
carry out these crimes. And make no mistake, killing or disturbing threatened
species is a crime. If convicted such crimes will result in either a fine and,
or, a prison sentence.”
“We also hope it will
remind people to remain vigilant themselves and report to the police anything
they think suspicious.”
If anyone has information
regarding bird crime they can call the Police on 101 and then the RSPB on 0845
466 3636. All information is handled in the strictest confidence.