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| Experts bid to help birds of prey | Experts bid to help birds of prey |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| Experts from 60 countries are to gather for a conference at Loch Lomond aimed at helping save rare birds of prey. | |
| Delegates will try to develop an international agreement to conserve endangered migratory birds in Europe, Africa and Asia. | Delegates will try to develop an international agreement to conserve endangered migratory birds in Europe, Africa and Asia. |
| Eagles, falcons, harriers, kites, buzzards and osprey are among the 77 species of birds that could benefit. | |
| The aim is to bring together expertise from around the world to monitor and protect the birds. | The aim is to bring together expertise from around the world to monitor and protect the birds. |
| It is also hoped that funds will be raised for future conservation activity. | It is also hoped that funds will be raised for future conservation activity. |
| Two years ago, an independent study commissioned by Defra found that more than 50% of the birds likely to be covered by the agreement were threatened either at the global or regional level. | Two years ago, an independent study commissioned by Defra found that more than 50% of the birds likely to be covered by the agreement were threatened either at the global or regional level. |
| I have pledged an initial £10,000 towards the practical conservation work that an agreement will undertake UK climate change and biodiversity minister Joan Ruddock | I have pledged an initial £10,000 towards the practical conservation work that an agreement will undertake UK climate change and biodiversity minister Joan Ruddock |
| UK climate change and biodiversity minister Joan Ruddock is among those who will attend the conference. | UK climate change and biodiversity minister Joan Ruddock is among those who will attend the conference. |
| She said: "There is no doubt these magnificent birds are under serious threat. Our commitment to their conservation is clear. | She said: "There is no doubt these magnificent birds are under serious threat. Our commitment to their conservation is clear. |
| "The government has brought together experts from around the world to develop an agreement for their conservation. | "The government has brought together experts from around the world to develop an agreement for their conservation. |
| "I have pledged an initial £10,000 towards the practical conservation work that an agreement will undertake." | "I have pledged an initial £10,000 towards the practical conservation work that an agreement will undertake." |
| The experts will discuss the geographical boundaries of the proposed agreement, the species to be covered, and whether or not it should be legally binding. | The experts will discuss the geographical boundaries of the proposed agreement, the species to be covered, and whether or not it should be legally binding. |
| The agreement is expected to be finalised at a meeting in the United Arab Emirates in 2008. | The agreement is expected to be finalised at a meeting in the United Arab Emirates in 2008. |
| 'Iconic species' | 'Iconic species' |
| The decline in numbers of migratory birds of prey are being driven by a variety of human-induced threats, such as habitat loss and degradation and electrocution by power lines. | The decline in numbers of migratory birds of prey are being driven by a variety of human-induced threats, such as habitat loss and degradation and electrocution by power lines. |
| Other issues include climate change and direct persecution in the form of illegal shooting and poisoning. | Other issues include climate change and direct persecution in the form of illegal shooting and poisoning. |
| Michael Russell, Scottish environment minister, said: "I am delighted to see so many delegates from around the world at Loch Lomond. | Michael Russell, Scottish environment minister, said: "I am delighted to see so many delegates from around the world at Loch Lomond. |
| "Birds of prey are iconic species for Scotland but the huge international presence shows that we are not alone in our respect and admiration for raptors." | "Birds of prey are iconic species for Scotland but the huge international presence shows that we are not alone in our respect and admiration for raptors." |
| Professor Colin Galbraith, director of policy and advice at Scottish Natural Heritage, said: "I am confident that the meeting will lead to a new conservation plan for these species in the 21st Century." | Professor Colin Galbraith, director of policy and advice at Scottish Natural Heritage, said: "I am confident that the meeting will lead to a new conservation plan for these species in the 21st Century." |