LOCAL police officers are looking to the sky in a bid to help protect some of our magnificent birds of prey.
Having been granted a special license by the NI Environment Agency (NIEA), the PSNI is getting set to deploy hi-tech drones to carry out checks on various sites across the North where peregrine falcons are known to nest, breed and live.
Working with the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW) bird of prey sub group, and with the assistance of the NI Raptor Study Group (NIRSG), the aim of ‘Operation Raptor – Peregrine Watch’ is to put ‘eyes in the sky’ to end the illegal persecution of the birds.
A large and powerful hunting bird, peregrine falcons thrive in Fermanagh, and have famously even set up nests at local quarries. They are a legally protected species, and those who hunt them face hefty fines or even prison sentences.
As part of Operation Raptor, the police drones will be used to view and assess falcon nesting and breeding areas that may otherwise be inaccessible and will allow the various agencies involved in PAW to keep a close check on nests.
The inspections will focus particularly on ‘at risk’ areas, in the hope of reducing instances of illegal poisoning, shooting, trapping and taking of peregrine falcons and their eggs.
Police lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime Superintendent Johnston McDowell said the operation had been launched as “a direct result of birds being targeted with very serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas across Northern Ireland.”
“Many of the poisons identified in previous cases are deadly not only to our precious wildlife but also to humans, and so the potential impact could go beyond the persecution and destruction of our beautiful native birds of prey,” said Supt Johnston.
“The initiative also encourages people to report any suspicions around birds being targeted.”
Wildlife crime can be reported to police via 101, or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or confidentially through crimes stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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