Raptor Persecution in Germany
Some poultry keepers, pigeon fanciers and game keepers in Germany still perceive birds of prey as a thorn in their side. Partridges, pheasants, domestic chickens and racing-pigeons are common prey for birds of prey. While some people just allow nature to runs its course, others resort to illegal means in order to get rid of the predator. Particularly in Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria, raptor persecution has become somewhat common place.
The range of methods used to target the protected birds is broad. Meat baits laced with poisons and insecticides are used as well as leg-hold traps, ladder traps or other hawk traps. Year after year, we deliver numerous birds of prey to wild bird rehabilitation centres, in which the veterinarians find gun shot injuries. The most audacious simply saw over the nesting trees - even during the breeding season with young birds in-situ!
Buzzards and hawks are most commonly targeted. For the endangered red kite, which has its stronghold in Central Europe, the use of poison baits are a significant problem: The bird feeds predominantly on carrion and is therefore are easily attracted by meat baits. But also kestrels, sparrowhawks and even eagle owls suffer from the illegal persecution.
Raptor Persecution Monitoring - EDGAR
As part of the EDGAR project, we document cases of illegal raptor persecution in Germany, file criminal charges, advise finders and conduct on-site research.
Raptor Persecution - Trapping
Apart from being targeted with shotguns, raptor-haters main modus operandi is setting traps. Here you can find out what types are used, how it works and how to recognise it.
Raptor Persecution - Poisoning
Meat baits prepared with insecticides or other nerve toxins are often specifically used to kill birds of prey. Buzzards and red kites are mostly affected.
Raptor Persecution - Shooting
Unfortunately, the shooting down of birds of prey is still widespread despite full legal protection. Targeting nest and shooting sites with a shotgun is particularly common.
Raptor Persecution - Nest Robbery
Although most species are easy to breed, chicks or eggs from birds of prey for falconers and animal collectors are still taken from the wild.
Raptor Persecution - Nest Destruction
A method that has been repeatedly established is the felling of nesting trees - not infrequently during the incubation period together with the eggs or young birds in-situ.