Countryside Alliance supports new wildlife crime tool

Raptor persecution maps for England and Wales have been published to enable the police to clearly see where the highest incidents are taking place and focus enforcement efforts in the areas that need it most.

The maps produced by the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) present the number of shootings, trappings, poisonings and nest destructions that took place across England & Wales between 2011 and 2015 and will be updated annually, providing an invaluable intelligence tool to help fight crimes again birds of prey.

Countryside Alliance Statement: "The publication of these maps allows for more focused targeting of resources and information gathering, furthering our aim of stamping out raptor persecution. The work of the Group is to be applauded and once again showcases the ability of different stakeholders to work together for the benefit of wildlife in this country. Raptor persecution is decreasing across the UK and the Alliance hopes that the maps will help aid the National Wildlife Crime Unit and rural police crackdown on any remaining illegal activity."

On announcing the maps Wildlife Minister Thérèse Coffey said:

"Birds of prey are a vital part of our animal landscape, icons of our cultural heritage and key to boosting local economies by attracting visitors to England and Wales.

"These maps highlight hotspots across the country for crimes against these precious birds, enabling the police to crack down with increased enforcement in areas where it's needed most – building on the valuable work land management, conservation and shooting organisations are already doing to help protect iconic birds of prey."