Pop Goes the Eagle

There is evidence of a clandestine 'war' between Scottish landowners with their gamekeepers and conservationists concerned with birds of prey such as the Golden eagle( http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/aug/27/conservation ). Since 1980, there have been 85 proven and suspected cases of poisoning involving this spectacular bird in that country. The most recent case involved poisoning with the banned pesticide carbofuran which acts like a nerve agent. It is not just eagles that are at risk, this year there have been 22 confirmed cases of poisoning of birds of prey in Scotland including also Buzzards, Red kite (in spite of this species being largely a carrion feeder) and Peregrine falcons. It seems evident that the law breakers (all the birds are protected) see the Golden eagle and its relatives as threats to their commercial interests that are focused on the rearing of Grouse, Partridge and Pheasant for shooting parties. This seems to be a fairly standard example of conservation coming into conflict with 'traditional' land use. Although part of the solution may involve enhanced policing, there may also be a role for education and convincing landowners that birds of prey may bring economic benefits.