Scottish and Irish ministers have agreed to tackle the illegal poisoning of golden eagles.
Roseanna Cunningham, the SNP environment minister, wrote to her counterpart in Dublin, John Gormley, calling for talks to address the problem in both countries. A golden eagle reintroduction programme is currently under way in north-west Ireland, after an absence of 100 years, with some chicks being donated from Scotland. However, an official report published earlier this year showed that 27 birds were killed in 2009 in Scotland as a result of illegal poisoning.
“Both countries are committed to a healthier future for golden eagles,” Miss Cunningham said.
“People derive huge enjoyment from seeing these birds and they also help the economy in rural areas by boosting wildlife tourism.
“Sadly, poisoning is still being reported but both governments find this behaviour unacceptable. I believe that collaboration could help us in the fight to stop this damage to our biodiversity and to our international reputations.”
She said she wants to look at joint schemes between the two countries, with the Irish Government also keen on collaborating.
Organisations from both countries are already collaborating in some areas on the conservation and protection of birds of prey.
Scottish and Irish police forces have been involved in exchange visits sharing expertise in detecting wildlife crime and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has been advising the Irish reintroduction project.
Fifty-three birds were released in Ireland by 2008, with just three killed illegally.
But Mr Gormley said he understood Miss Cunningham’s concerns and hope both administrations “can support each other in measures to stamp out this blight on both our countries.”
Ron Macdonald, SNH’s head of policy and advice, said reintroduction programmes like the Irish scheme, are important for “maintaining and enhancing biodiversity”.
The Telegraph:20-7-10 Post Title
→Celtic cooperation on Golden Eagle killings.
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