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Highland raptor deaths rise to 11 | Highland raptor deaths rise to 11 |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Eleven birds of prey have now been found dead in an area around Conon Bridge and Muir of Ord in Ross-shire, BBC Scotland has learned. | Eleven birds of prey have now been found dead in an area around Conon Bridge and Muir of Ord in Ross-shire, BBC Scotland has learned. |
Six of the raptors - five red kites and a buzzard - were found at different, but nearby, locations between 18 and 24 March. | Six of the raptors - five red kites and a buzzard - were found at different, but nearby, locations between 18 and 24 March. |
The other dead birds are also red kites and buzzards. | The other dead birds are also red kites and buzzards. |
Police Scotland has asked that members of the public contact the force if they find any other dead birds of prey. | Police Scotland has asked that members of the public contact the force if they find any other dead birds of prey. |
Scottish Gamekeepers Association chairman Alex Hogg said: "The number of birds being found is hugely worrying and suggests something is very much amiss here." | |
Poisoning is suspected to be the cause of the birds' deaths. Toxicology tests are being carried out. | |
Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "The loss of such a number of birds of prey is worrying. Just the impact on the ecosystem and number of birds is worrying." | |
The minister also said that if the reports confirmed the use of poisons, it could present a danger to the public. | |
He added: "If the toxicology report concludes that there is poisons involved, that clearly poses a risk to public health, especially when you have chemicals like carbofuran which are highly toxic and put anyone who comes into contact with them at risk." |
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