HC Deb 02 May 1995 vol 259 c139W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the population of(a) pine martens, (b) peregrine falcon, (c) hen harrier and (d) sparrowhawk in each year since 1980; and what is his estimate of the amount of damage each species does to game birds. [21849]

Mr. Gwilym Jones

Annual population estimates are not available for pine martens, hen harriers, peregrine falcons and sparrowhawks. However, specific surveys have been undertaken for these species since 1980 and the most up to date figures for Wales are as follows:

  1. (a) Pine martens—less than 50 individuals (1987–88).
  2. (b) Peregrines—263 (1991).
  3. (c) Hen Harriers—16 (1993).
  4. (d) Sparrowhawks—no estimate.

There is no reliable information currently available relating to the effect of these species on game birds.