Peregrine falcon chicks take flight following successful nest protection operation
25 July 2011
Four peregrine falcon chicks have successfully fledged in the Medway area thanks to a nest protection project involving Natural England and Kent Police.
The covert surveillance operation was launched following the theft of two chicks from the same location back in 2010.
Last year’s theft was discovered by Natural England’s John Black, a Wildlife Management Adviser who had been made aware of the nest by site workers and made a routine monitoring visit during the course of other duties. On his arrival, the chicks had gone and only fragments of egg shells remained. The culprits have never been caught. To prevent any repetition, the police consulted Natural England and installed hidden CCTV cameras to monitor the nest.
The first signs of life in the nest were recorded in early-May, and a monitoring visit later that month confirmed that the nest was occupied by four healthy chicks which then had DNA samples taken and special rings fitted to their legs for identification. Their recent departure from the nest brings the operation to a successful conclusion.
Commenting on the successful fledging of the chicks, Natural England’s John Black said: “It is important that we do all we can to support the recovery of the peregrine falcon population, and protect them from continuing theft and persecution. Following last year’s disappointment, it has been rewarding to have been so closely involved with this successful nest protection operation. We welcome the positive steps taken by Kent Police to protect the nest and look forward to continuing our work together to tackle crimes against wildlife and to protect endangered species.”
Kent Police's Wildlife and Rural Environment Crime Co-ordinator, Police Constable Laidlow said: "We have worked with Natural England and the owners of the site who fully supported us in our actions. Together, we all support the fight against wildlife crime and we will continue to use all the resources available to us. Our wildlife is important, and we should all play a part in protecting it."
Peregrine falcons are highly protected under UK and international law. Steep penalties can be received for injuring or killing peregrine falcons or for taking them from the wild. However, an illegal trade in peregrine falcons continues and chicks and eggs have been stolen from nests to be sold on to private collectors. Natural England is the regulatory body responsible for the protection of endangered species, and works closely with the police to help thwart this illegal activity.
The peregrine falcon population declined alarmingly in the 1950s-60s due to the impact of pesticides and persecution. Following the introduction of conservation and protection measures, the population has recovered and it is estimated that there are currently in the region of 1,400 breeding pairs in the UK. The successful fledging of the four chicks in Kent is another small step in the recovery of the peregrine falcon population.
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Notes to Editors:
For further information (media enquiries only), please contact: Sean Mahoney, Natural England press office on 0300 060 0571. Out of hours, please call the duty press officer on 07970 098005. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk
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Additional Notes:
Fully grown peregrine falcons are typically 38-48 cm long, with a wingspan of 95-110 cm. The female of the species is considerably larger than the male. The peregrine falcon is renowned for its phenomenal speed. In its hunting swoop, it has been known to reach speeds of over 200 mph, making it the fastest member of the animal kingdom.
Peregrine falcons receive full legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
It is a criminal offence to intentionally kill, injure or take a peregrine falcon, to take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird while it is in use or to take or destroy the eggs.
About Natural England:
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
