The RSPB has created its largest ever petition in order to prevent the illegal killing of birds of prey.

Dr Sean Christian, head of conservation for the RSPB, says the organization is “impressed and inspired” by the overwhelmingly positive response to the campaign.

Up until the 1990s, many bird of prey species were on the verge of extinction in the UK due to persecution and poisoning from pesticides.

However, the last 20 years has seen a remarkable turnaround thanks to a combination of increased legal protection and the work of the RSPB and other conservation bodies.

But illegal activity such as the shooting of wild birds, intentional nest destruction and egg stealing remains a very serious threat to the future of the birds.

More than 200 birds of prey including buzzards, peregrine falcons and red kites were shot, poisoned or trapped in 2008.

The RSPB is calling for a review of the way wildlife crimes in both England and Wales are handled and full legal protection for birds of prey in order to prevent illegal killing.

Dr Christian says the positive momentum of the campaign shows that most citizens in the area are backing the petition to protect the birds.

“Like us [RSPB] they are rightly appalled that birds of prey continue to be killed in our countryside,” he said.

By Taylor Turner

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