Question reference: S1W-00874
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 10 August 1999
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Current status: Answered by Sarah Boyack on 24 August 1999
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the arrangements are for counting the raptor population in Scotland, including the relevant qualifications of the personnel involved.
Answer
Arrangements vary for different species. Common species such as the kestrel sparrowhawk and buzzard are monitored by the Breeding Bird Survey organised by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). In Scotland much work is undertaken by Raptor Study Group members, all of whom are volunteers and undertake the work in their spare time. Some scarce species (e.g. peregrine, merlin, hen harrier and golden eagle) are surveyed by dedicated professional surveyors who are employed by one of the main bird conservation groups such as RSPB. .All surveyors are familiar with the species concerned and possess good field ornithological skills. Where appropriate, they are licensed by Scottish Natural Heritage, and in this event SNH undertakes checks on all applicants to establish that they are fit and proper persons to undertake such work.