Global News - December 2007

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Scotland secures 'special protection areas' for rare birds

Tue 18 December 2007 13:00 UK — Europe,Birds

Two areas of land in Scotland that are home to a number of rare birds have been designated as 'special protection areas', in a move that aims to secure their dwindling populations.

An area of 9,000 hectares in Renfrewshire Heights that is home to ten pairs of hen harriers is set to benefit from the new designation, as well as parts of the islands of Oronsay and Colonsay where both rare choughs and corncrakes are also found.

Welcoming the decision, Michael Russell, the Scottish Minister for the Environment, highlighted the area's importance in helping to preserve a hen harrier population in the UK.

"Scotland is a stronghold for hen harriers in the UK and I am very pleased to provide this extra security for the species in the Clyde Muirshiel area," he said.

He added: "Scotland is home to a rich and varied biodiversity and we must do everything we can to protect this wonderful natural resource."

Last month the Scotsman reported that three protected red kites from a Scottish breeding project had been killed by illegal poisoning.

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