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.
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.
Mr 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.â€
Kent Police’s wildlife and rural environment crime co-ordinator, PC Michael 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.â€
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 14,000 breeding pairs in the UK.
I'm actually glad they had Police protection this year. People are nuts stealing baby Peregrines and or eggs.
