Raptor poisoning incidents doubled in 2013 according to newly-released figures

The Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW Scotland) has published the latest ‘poisoning maps’ to document recorded raptor poisoning incidents across Scotland in 2013. The latest figues show that reported poisoning incidents doubled in 2013 from 2012 figures, with six confirmed poisoned raptors. The victims included a golden eagle, a red kite and four buzzards. The latest maps also document other types of raptor persecution crimes for the first time, including shooting and nest disturbance. The maps can be viewed here. Disappointingly, the new maps do not show where poisoned baits (without an associated raptor corpse) have been discovered. It is clear that there is much more work to be done to combat the continued persecution of Scottish raptors.