An RSPB-led study has been awarded the Watson Raptor Science Prize for the most outstanding, peer reviewed scientific publication on raptor ecology in Europe in 2010.
THE STUDYThe study, led by Senior Conservation Scientist Dr. Jennifer Smart, and co-authored by Arjun Amar, Innes Sim, Brian Etheridge, Duncan Cameron, George Christie and Jeremy Wilson, demonstrated how illegal killing substantially limited red kite population growth in northern Scotland. This re-introduced population suffered first-year survival rates well below those of other populations, and declining second-year survival rates. Illegal killing, which accounts for at least 40% of red kite mortality in Scotland, contributed significantly to this low survival. Population modelling showed that in the absence of illegal killing the growth rate of the North Scotland red kite population would have been similar to other re-introduced populations in the UK.
THE PRIZEThe Watson Raptor Science prize was established in memory of the late Donald and Jeff Watson, forming part of a unique initiative to establish Dalry Bird Town and the Watson Bird Centre. The award was presented to Jen Smart on 1 October in Dalry, Scotland. She and Duncan Orr-Ewing, Head of Species and Land Management, Scotland then gave a public lecture about red kite conservation and the findings of the scientific study.LONG RUNNINGRecognition of this important research lends further weight to long-running work by ourselves, and many other individuals and organisations, to eliminate illegal killing of birds of prey, and re-establish native raptors throughout their historic ranges.Claire
Well done to everyone involved
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
Good stuff. Any research casting light on the realities of raptor persecution and its implications for species recovery programmes is to be welcomed.
JBNTS
Every day a little more irate about bird of prey persecution, and I have a cat - Got a problem with that?
Top Job, well done to all involved :-)>
My New blog is at http://eastfinchleywildside.blogspot.com/
It is great that studying raptor persecution is recognised at last although many of had ideas similar to the outcome but not really able to prove it.What really needs to happen now is for the police and people like the RSPB investigations team to have the resources to catch the perpetrators and the courts to hand out suitable punishments.Public recognition of research like this can only help the cause,well done to all involved.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can