© 2008 The International Owl Society
THE EUROPEAN EAGLE OWL
It has come to our attention that a risk assessment document is at the moment being circulated by FERA and could have a severe effect on the European Eagle Owls in this country, as we all know there are Eagle Owls breeding in Britain some of which we know are escapees or owls that people have released because they no longer want them. There now seems to be some proof that European Eagle Owls are coming here from the continent and a dead European Eagle Owl found in Thetford Forest given isotope tests by Dr. Andrew Kelly has proved to be of continental origin. We are in the process of finding out more information but it seems that a cull of these owls could be in the pipeline, as there is no way of knowing which of these owls are captive bred and which have come here from the continent this is of great concern. This document is due in on the 6th February which leaves very little time to act upon any information we may get, Steve Hopper has spoken to Defra and is awaiting further information and also hopes to contact Dr. Kelly.
Tony Turk is also going to try and get more information. It appears that in April the European Eagle Owl will be placed on schedule nine of the Wildlife and Countryside Act meaning it will be afforded no protection at all as we understand it, this is very worrying as the persecution of birds of prey is very high at present and this could make matters worse.
IOS Spring Meeting and AGM
Members enjoyed a sunny day at The Cotwold Wildlife Park on the 24th April and before the AGM we were given a very interesting talk by Simon Towers who is a local Wildlife Crime Officer in the Witney area, I am sure that this talk gave us all food for thought as wildlife crime is on the increase it would seem.
As usual we were made very welcome at the Wildlife Park and all members had the opportunity to walk around the park and see the animals after the meeting, all of which looked in extremely good condition and are a credit to the park. The gardens are also a big attraction and very well kept.
Click the link below for more information