HC Deb 11 May 1995 vol 259 cc580-1W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the number and species of birds of prey poisoned in each year since 1987. [22365]

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 9 May 1995]: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food co-ordinates the wildlife incident investigation scheme which monitors the effect of pesticides on wildlife and domestic animals. The following figures have been compiled from reports of deaths of birds of prey where pesticides have been confirmed as the likely cause. The figures relate to incidents reported in Great Britain. In order to reduce the risks to wildlife, the Ministry has mounted a campaign against illegal poisoning in collaboration with a number of interested organisations.

Year Total (number of incidents) Species
1987 20 Species include Kestrels, Sparrow Hawks, Barn Owls and Buzzards
1988 26 12 Buzzards
1 Peregrine Falcon
1 Hen Harrier
2 Sparrow Hawks
5 Tawny Owls
4 Golden Eagles
1 Harris Hawk
1989 43 22 Buzzards
1 Golden Eagle
3 Peregrine Falcons
12 Red Kites
4 Sparrow Hawks
1 Kestrel
1990 36 24 Buzzards
3 Golden Eagles
2 Red Kites
2 Hen Harriers
4 Sparrow Hawks
1 Kestrel

Year Total (number of incidents) Species
1991 28 4 Owls
16 Buzzards
2 Red Kites
1 Golden Eagle
1 Hen Harrier
2 Kestrels
2 Peregrine Falcons
1992 34 19 Buzzards
1 Goshawk
1 Hen Harrier
2 Kestrels
2 Sparrow Hawks
6 Red Kites
1 Golden Eagle
2 Peregrine Falcons
1993 32 22 Buzzards
1 Golden Eagle
5 Red Kites
1 Hen Harrier
1 Sparrow Hawk
1 Merlin
1 Owl