§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the population of (a) pine martens, (b) peregrine falcons, (c) hen-harriers and (d) sparrowhawks in each year since 1980; and what is his estimate of the amount of damage each species does to game birds. [21848]
§ Sir Hector MonroThere are no annual population estimates for any of these species in Scotland. The most recent population estimates are as follows:
Number Pine Marten 3,500 (1993) Peregrine Falcon 639 pairs (1991) Hen Harrier 570 pairs (1989) Sparrowhawk No estimate Estimates of the effect of these species on game bird populations are not available, but damage certainly takes place.