Peregrine Watch Scheme launched in Northern Ireland

by Gráinne Connolly

The PSNI has launched a peregrine watch scheme in Northern Ireland. 

It's part of the UK initiative which was introduced following the success of Operation Raptor last year. 

Peregrine is a scheme that aims to stop any peregrine persecution, incuding stealing chicks and eggs from nests and/or killing of adult birds or chicks. 

In many parts the peregrine is under threat to shooting, poisoning or trapping. 

Seargent Fallis, PSNI Fermanagh and Omagh District Community Planning, stated they're working with the raptor group to check local nests. 

They'll be monitoring them for any threats and trying to keep people away from them, safe from harm. 

The police say they are committed to taking all wildlife crimes seriously and ensuring crimes against them are minimised. 

Chief inspector Martin Sims of the National Wildlife Crime Unit stated:

"I am really pleased to see all the efforts that Northern Ireland are making to try and prevent the persecution of Peregrines happening in any circumstance”. 

You can report any type of crime against birds of prey to the local police by calling 101.