Wildlife Crime on Skye

27th March 2012

The image shows a dead Hen Harrier chick, one of a brood of five trampled into the ground at a Skye site in 2008. At this time of the year, egg collectors are on the move and 'Operation Easter', a long running initiative by the police and RSPB to combat egg thieves swings into place. Unfortunately this had not prevented clutches of Golden Eagle and other rare species being stolen in the area. In the knowledge that Sea Eagles have been poisoned in neighbouring areas in previous years, and information that an adult White-tailed Eagle was shot on Skye at this time last year, it is a timely reminder that although incidents involving some of our iconic birds are rare on Skye and the west coast, they nonetheless occur, and everyone should be on their guard. The investigation of such wildlife crimes is the responsibility of the police and the Northern Constabulary website provides the following advice should members of the public find anything suspicious:-

Do not disturb the scene by moving items or by walking about unnecessarily
Do not touch dead animals or birds if you suspect they may be poisoned baits or victims - most of the substances used are extremely dangerous and you may put yourself at risk
If possible video or photograph the scene, or make a rough sketch
Do not approach or remonstrate with any suspect
Write any vehicle registration numbers down - don't trust to memory
Contact the Police as soon as possible and ask to speak to a Wildlife Crime officer

Constable Ed Frazer is the local WCO and is based at Portree Police Station (01478612888). Further information is available on the Partnership for Action on Wildlife Crime (PAWScotland) website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/paw-scotland/

Bob

THE BOOK

"A glorious little gem"

AMAZON

"A book such as this has to look backwards and the author does so succinctly, looking at the work of several of the pioneering naturalists before picking out the publications of JA Harvie-Brown and the Rev. Hugh Macpherson. I know this book fills a real gap in the information available for the Isle of Skye and it will surely sell well at local bookshops."

Andrew Currie Miscellany West Highland Free Press

"A total of 238 species have been recorded, with 14 of those 'red listed' as of high conservation concern ... another innovation has been the inclusion of Gaelic names for some birds. While this is not uncommon in a few other books, the addition of some regional Gaelic names is very unusual and very welcome."

Ray Collier Country Diary 'Up in the Skye' The Guardian

"Illustrated with beautiful photographs of current birdlife on the island, the publication also features sketches by Jean Thomas of The Little Gallery, Portnalong, stimulating the reader's interest further and allowing them to identify species they encounter on Skye."

The Hebridean