A golden eagle. Photo: Maurice Koop
Police in the Highlands are asking walkers to be on the alert for signs of wildlife crime after walkers discovered the body of a golden eagle.
Strathclyde Police searched Beinn Udlaidh in Glen Orchy after the bird’s carcass was discovered earlier this month. The eagle had been killed by poison.
The walkers reported the discovery, on the slopes of the mountain west of Tyndrum, to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which then alerted the police. Toxicology tests on the bird’s carcass, carried out by the Scottish Government in Edinburgh, confirmed the eagle had died from poisoning by insecticide.
Police searched premises in Glen Orchy and Bridge of Orchy last Wednesday and a spokesperson said they are now following a positive line of inquiry.
Police from Oban, along with specialist wildlife officers from Strathclyde, Lothian and Borders and Central Scotland Police, and the National Wildlife Crime Unit carried out an extensive search of Beinn Udlaidh and the surrounding area, helped by the RSPB, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Government pesticide experts.
Constable Stevie McAleer, wildlife crime officer for North Argyll, who co-ordinated the operation, is asking members of the public to be vigilant. He said: “I would urge any members of the public who may come across a dead bird or carcass to alert the police to the discovery.
“I would advise people not to touch the bird or the surrounding area. If possible, and if safe to do so, branches or grass should be thrown over the carcass to avoid it being seen and eaten by other animals or birds.”
Bob Elliot, head of investigations with RSPB Scotland condemned the perpetrators, saying: “As ever, we’re shocked and saddened that there are still people out there placing poisoned baits in the countryside, which often result in the deaths of some of our magnificent birds of prey.
“This area doesn’t have a recent track record of wildlife crime, which is even more worrying in a way. It’s likely that this bird was part of a breeding pair in Argyll, so the crime may have affected the chances of survival of young birds in the nest too.
“Scottish Natural Heritage’s recently published golden eagle framework report showed that this iconic bird is being held back in parts of the country due to illegal persecution, which simply shouldn’t happen in the 21st century.”
In April this year, the body of a golden eagle was found near Suilven, in the north-west Highlands.
Anyone with information is can contact Oban police office on 01631 510500 or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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