The sparrowhawks are being moved in a bid to stop them killing racing pigeon at more than 40 pigeon lofts.
By Selena Masson, Shooting Times
Tuesday, 02 September 2008
A trial translocation of sparrowhawks to protect racing pigeon could provide the blueprint for raptor control.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has been commissioned to carry out a controversial sparrowhawk translocation trial, which could have major ramifications for gamekeepers grappling with burgeoning raptor numbers.
The Scottish environment minister, Michael Russell, has tasked the government body with trapping and moving sparrowhawks in a bid to stop them killing racing pigeon at more than 40 pigeon lofts.
Unsurprisingly, the initiative, which is due to start in November, has not received a warm reception from raptor groups, but has been welcomed by the Scottish Homing Union (SHU), which represents Scotland’s 3,500 pigeon-fanciers.
In a recent Freedom of Information request made by The Sunday Herald, it was revealed that Scotland’s chief ecological adviser, Dr Ian Bainbridge, has discounted the project’s viability.
He advised Mr Russell that it would be expensive and ultimately ineffective. He fears that the sparrowhawks would just find their way back to the pigeon lofts or that other sparrowhawks would simply move in and prey on the pigeon.
Schools will be able to introduce the new qualific...
A SPORTING TEAM: Enjoy all of the best shooting commentary with driven shooting's finest journal.
Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!
High Court orders a full judicial review of Natural England’s pr... Read more
Lincolnshire Police dismisses claims that disabled man who later shot ... Read more
Comments