FUTURE FOR VULTURES LOOKS BLEAK AS THREATS CONTINUE TO CIRCLE

                                           

THIS report in today's edition of The Daily Telegraph chimes with a presentation made by  Vanessa Amaral-Rogers of the RSPB at Global Birdfair.

She revealed that, despite a ban, Asian countries (Nepal excluded) are turning a blind eye to the use of a chemical noxious to vultures in order to treat sick livestock.

She said the RSPB has been carrying out 'covert' checks at pharmacies to establish the extent of the lawbreaking.

The hope is that evidence might persuade authorities to take a tougher line on lawbreaking.

Elswehere, the charity has a team of some 60 scientists working around the world on various projects.

At any one time, it is also has up to 20 reseach students working on their PhD or Masters degrees, plus a team of support staff.

Within the UK, a particular focus has been the environmental of a seed-treating insecticide chemical, Clothiavidin.

According to Ms Amaral-Rogers, one project revealed that traces of it had been found in 51 percent of songbirds and 81 per cent of game birds.

                                          

Vanessa Amaral-Rogers - RSPB science communications executive