Experts gather at conference to help birds of prey

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Oct 22, 2007, 11:03 GMT

A female osprey and her chicks in their nest at Kennedy Space Center complex 39, Thursday, 20 April 2006. EPA/GARY I ROTHSTEIN

(M&C) - Experts are gathering at a conference in Loch Lomond, Scotland to try to forge an agreement designed to protect endangered birds of prey.

Experts from sixty countries will look at ways of helping restore the numbers of such migratory birds in Europe, Africa and Asia as eagles, falcons, harriers, kites, buzzards and osprey.

As well as bringing together a vast range of worldwide expertise, the conference is hoping to raise funds for conservation of the threatened species.

UK climate change and biodiversity minister Joan Ruddock, who is present at the meeting, told reporters, "There is no doubt these magnificent birds are under serious threat. Our commitment to their conservation is clear."

"The government has brought together experts from around the world to develop an agreement for their conservation. I have pledged an initial £10,000 towards the practical conservation work that an agreement will undertake," she said.

Chairman of the conference, Professor Colin Galbraith of Scottish Natural Heritage, added, "Migratory birds of prey include some of the most threatened species worldwide and their populations are excellent indicators of the state of the wider environment."

"This meeting provides a unique opportunity for governments and other organisations to come together to address some of the key issues affecting birds of prey, including persecution, habitat destruction and the long term effects of pollution."

A 2005 British government study found over half of the 77 species under discussion by delegates can be considered an endangered species. Agreements reached at the conference are expected to be finalised at the next conference in the United Arab Emirates in 2008.