Falcons poisoning reward now £11,500
THE reward now stands at £11,500 for information on the four peregrine falcons confirmed to have died due to poisoning.
La Societe Guernesiaise and the RSPB UK each added £1,500 by Sunday, with another £1,000 donated anonymously yesterday to lead to the conviction of those responsible.
Further cases are under investigation after two pair of falcons have disappeared.
Societe ornithology section secretary Chris Mourant said: ‘We need to know who has done this. By putting the reward up hopefully someone will come forward and any information will lead to a successful prosecution.
‘Whoever is doing this is putting the public at risk. The poison is out there. One has been banned since 2012, and another can only be used by licensed users in controlled circumstances.
‘The poisons are so potent that regulated users themselves are tested every six months to see if they have become contaminated.’
Suspicion has been raised about further possible poisoning cases.
‘We don’t know for sure, but a pair of juvenile peregrines have disappeared since the weekend. There was another pair missing on the cliffs, but the speed in which the poison reacts means that they could have fallen in the sea.’
Permission was gained from RSPB UK by the affiliated Guernsey fundraising group to add to the reward at the last meeting.
RSPB Guernsey committee secretary Jean Brown said: ‘We discussed the poisonings with the UK group when it first happened. They are aware and have been keeping a close eye on the media. After consulting with them they were happy to increase the reward to achieve a successful prosecution.’
Poisonings are familiar on the mainland where RSPB Scotland recorded 779 unlawful killings of birds of prey between 1994 and 2014, with 80 of those being peregrines.
‘The fact it’s here in Guernsey is a big worry. These chemicals are a real problem. If they are then picked up, they are so potent that the consequences could be devastating. We just want to get those responsible caught to prevent further harm. Fingers crossed that the powers-that-be can do something.’
Guernsey Animal Aid founder Sue Vidamour said the autopsy results from a fifth suspected peregrine poisoning have not yet arrived.
‘We are desperately waiting. There are quite a few tests involved but hopefully it will be in the next day,’ she said.
‘We are pleased that La Societe and RSPB have got involved, as well as another very kind gentleman who gave another £1,000. Hopefully if it is a big enough reward somebody will come forward.
‘If anybody knows anything please, please, please come forward. We cannot afford to lose these birds.’
