The UK has quicklybacked downonplans to control buzzardsafter an outcry which included a2,500 signature strong Care2 petition.
The plan was to spend £375,000 (US $586,000) on capturing Buzzards and destroying their nests to see whether this reduces their consumption of young Pheasants (or Poults), which are reared in their millions to be shot on game estates.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) had described the plan as “totally unacceptable” and many saw it as using taxpayer funds to support an aristocratic pursuit.
Richard Benyon, the Wildlife Minister,said today:
In the light of the public concerns expressed in recent days, I have decided to look at developing new research proposals on buzzards.
The plan had been attacked for being based on hearsay evidence put forward by lobbyists for shooting. Said Benyon:
The success of conservation measures has seen large increases in the numbers of buzzards and other birds of prey over the last two decades. At the same time it is right that we make decisions on the basis of sound evidence and we do need to understand better the whole relationship between raptors, game birds and other livestock.
I will collaborate with all the organisations that have an interest in this issue and will bring forward new proposals.
A Ministry officialtold the Guardian (newspaper)that new research would aim to establish the impact of birds of prey on pheasants first, before considering control measures.
The RSPB said:
The recovery of the buzzard is being celebrated by the public after many decades of persecution. It is clear that they don’t want their taxes spent on removing buzzards and the government has to ensure that no bird of prey will be killed in the name of sport.
One of the lobbyists for the plan to ‘control’ buzzards, the Countryside Alliance,told the BBC:
That the government has chosen to ignore rural people in favour of a large and vocal special interest group shows ministers are now willing to give in to whoever shouts the loudest.
Published by Care2
Nic Slocum
Nic Slocum is an experienced naturalist and wildlife guide and is best known for his escorted tours taking enthusiasts out, both in Ireland and overseas, to view and photograph whales and dolphins. Nic maintains a lifelong passion for using the written word to promote the conservation of our wildlife and wild places and has appeared as an expert commentator on both radio and TV. A zoologist by training, Nic has published articles on conservation related issues in regional and national newspapers. Nic is a director of Whale Watch West Cork.com and Whales World Wide.com
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