BASC response to latest RSPB Birdcrime report

Following publication of the RSPB’s 2018 Birdcrime report, BASC has reiterated its condemnation of wildlife crime and emphasised the importance of partnership working.

Caroline Bedell, BASC’s executive director of conservation, said: “BASC has a zero-tolerance attitude to raptor persecution. But it is worth noting that the RSPB’s latest annual report shows that crimes against raptors are below the five-year average.

“With confirmed cases down and population trends on the rise, the RSPB’s focus should be on seeing enforcement enhanced and penalties increased – as BASC has repeatedly called for.

“The majority of raptor species across the UK are at their highest ever levels, this is thanks to several successful reintroduction plans, species-specific action plans, and wildlife crime delivery groups. This is where success stems from.

“BASC will continue to work in these partnerships, alongside stakeholders, and with members on the ground to ensure raptor persecution is completely stamped out to ensure the future of shooting.”

Notes to Editors:

RSPB Birdcrime report 2018 can be found here.

Data released earlier this month showed another record-breaking year for nesting hen harriers in England with more chicks fledging than have done so for decades.

In its response to a recent consultation on increasing wildlife crime penalties in Scotland, BASC supported increasing the penalties for the most serious offences such as the persecution of raptors. 

Also this month, BASC called for satellite tag data to be “transparent and accountable” following a series of raptor persecution allegations against Scottish estates.