New powers to shoot young ravens in Orkney are being drawn up by Scotland's natural heritage agency following a spate of attacks on livestock. Farmers say the birds have killed and injured lambs, sheep and calves, caused distress to both the animals and those caring for them, and significant financial losses. In a meeting organised by farmers in the islands, NatureScot officials agreed current controls are not proving an effective deterrent. NatureScot believes it will be possible to introduce an area licensing scheme for Orkney by this winter and will update farmers later this summer. The BBC has approached the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for comment. Licences to shoot ravens are currently granted by NatureScot only where there is no other satisfactory solution. Shooters target juvenile birds, because breeding pairs are not associated with livestock attacks. Applicants have to demonstrate they have tried other scaring techniques and found them insufficient in reducing damage. NatureScot presented evidence that 34 licences had been granted in Orkney since 2016 covering 28 locations. This resulted in 124 ravens being culled, 58% of the number which was permitted. The farmers present said there was a lack of confidence in the current licensing regime, which includes restricting shooting permissions to specific fields. This means birds can simply fly to safety in nearby land. NatureScot's Director of the Green Economy, Robbie Kernahan, admitted this was "bonkers". He said new terms could be agreed that are more flexible. It is likely this will mean permission to shoot the birds over a wider area and for a longer period than currently permitted. During the meeting on Monday, Mr Kernahan told farmers: "I don't think there's ever been any doubt ravens can and do have a significant impact on livestock. "Where it becomes more interesting and challenging is what we do about that. It soon becomes clear there are not many alternatives to using lethal controls to scare them off." Farmer Douglas Paterson has been one of Orkney's loudest voices demanding action to control raven numbers. He said the birds have killed lambs and also sheep, which can be vulnerable and exposed when they roll onto their backs. Other farmers told NatureScot officials that the birds have attacked the tongues and feet of young calves, leaving them with devastating injuries. During the meeting a dead lamb was produced from a bag and placed in front of the officials as evidence of the problem. Reacting to NatureScot's commitment to address Orkney's issue with ravens, Mr Paterson said: "I'm not 100% convinced it will happen, but if it does, I will be delighted. "It just remains to be seen how well NatureScot will deliver this. We will not let them off with doing nothing." Orkney is not the first place in Scotland, or the UK, to report problems with young ravens, which are the largest birds in the crow family in this country. Greater controls on raven populations have previously been introduced in Skye and Argyll. Mr Kernahan believes a more tailored approach in Orkney can now be justified. He said: "I think enabling control measures at the right time of year is key. "NatureScot will come up with licensing solutions enabling more flexibility so birds are taken a bit earlier across the islands where there are particular issues with attacks. "We're committing to coming back by the end of the summer to explore that in more depth and have something in place by the back end of the year, in time for next winter." NatureScot say they would be gathering more data on the need for greater control of raven numbers, but it would not t let the need for further surveys be a barrier to action. However, Orkney wildlife expert Andy Mitchell said there was no significant increase in the number of raven nests, or the number of fledged young in the most recent surveys, though the last one was carried out in 2014. Mr Mitchell said: "I have seen no compelling evidence of ravens killing healthy lambs. NatureScot cannot and must not ride roughshod over licensing rules to accommodate a few farmers." Local shooter Robert Reid has experience of working within the current licensing regime on farms across Orkney. He believes a more flexible scheme which covers a greater area stands a better chance of success. "These birds are clever," he said. "They are very difficult to shoot. NatureScot told us about how far fewer birds are being taken than the current licenses permit. "In the current time limit it's very difficult to get close to them. "If we could shoot them throughout the year, we would be able to drop the number of young birds causing these problems and help the farmers save a few of their livestock." During the meeting NatureScot committed to a holding a similar meeting in Shetland, after hearing farmers there are suffering similar issues with ravens attacking their livestock.
New powers to shoot ravens after livestock attacks
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scotland's NatureScot Proposes New Licensing for Shooting Ravens Amid Livestock Attacks"
Bbc News
6.0
TruthLens AI Summary
In response to increasing complaints from farmers about livestock attacks, Scotland's natural heritage agency, NatureScot, is drafting new regulations that would allow the shooting of young ravens in Orkney. Farmers have reported that ravens have not only killed but also injured lambs, sheep, and calves, leading to significant distress for both the animals and their caretakers, as well as substantial financial losses for farmers. During a recent meeting, farmers expressed their frustrations with the existing control measures, which they believe are inadequate in deterring these attacks. NatureScot officials acknowledged the need for more effective strategies and proposed an area licensing scheme that could be implemented by this winter, with updates for farmers expected later this summer. The current licensing system permits shooting only in circumstances where no satisfactory alternatives exist, and it primarily targets juvenile ravens, as the breeding pairs are not typically responsible for the attacks on livestock. Since 2016, 34 licenses have been granted in Orkney, resulting in the culling of 124 ravens, which is less than the number that could have been culled under the permits. Farmers have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the current licensing regime, as it restricts shooting permissions to specific fields, allowing ravens to escape to nearby areas. NatureScot's Director of the Green Economy, Robbie Kernahan, admitted that the existing restrictions are counterproductive and indicated that new, more flexible terms are likely to be introduced soon.
During the meeting, farmers shared firsthand accounts of the damage caused by ravens, including instances where the birds have attacked the tongues and feet of young calves, resulting in severe injuries. One farmer even brought a dead lamb to illustrate the issue. While some farmers are hopeful about NatureScot's commitment to addressing the raven problem, others remain cautious about the agency's ability to deliver effective solutions. Wildlife expert Andy Mitchell has raised concerns about the lack of evidence supporting claims that ravens are killing healthy lambs and cautioned against hastily altering licensing rules to appease farmers. Local shooter Robert Reid emphasized the challenges of shooting ravens under the current regulations and supported a more flexible approach that would allow for year-round shooting to mitigate the impact on livestock. NatureScot has also indicated plans to meet with farmers in Shetland, who are experiencing similar issues with raven attacks on their livestock.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a significant issue regarding the control of raven populations due to their reported attacks on livestock in Orkney, Scotland. The proposed measures to allow farmers greater leeway in culling these birds highlight the tension between agricultural needs and wildlife conservation efforts.
Public Perception and Community Impact
The publication aims to evoke concern among farmers and the general public about the impact of raven attacks on livestock. By emphasizing the financial losses and distress caused by these birds, the article seeks to align the interests of farmers with those of the authorities, potentially fostering a sense of urgency regarding the proposed changes in wildlife management policies.
Hidden Agendas
There may be underlying motives to shift the focus away from broader discussions about wildlife conservation and the ecological balance. The narrative strongly favors the agricultural sector, which could overshadow the potential ecological implications of culling ravens. While the article does mention that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) was approached for comment, their viewpoints are notably absent, suggesting a lack of balance in the coverage.
Manipulative Nature
The article’s language could be seen as manipulative, particularly in its framing of the situation as an immediate crisis for farmers. By focusing on the emotional distress caused to both animals and their caregivers, it stirs a protective response from the community, which may lead to support for more aggressive measures against ravens. The repeated mention of financial losses further reinforces the urgency for action, potentially skewing public opinion in favor of lethal control measures.
Reliability of the Information
The article appears to be based on direct statements from officials and farmers, which lends it some credibility. However, the absence of a comprehensive discussion about the ecological implications of culling ravens raises questions about the overall reliability. The selective presentation of evidence and lack of counterarguments from conservationists suggest a one-sided narrative that may not fully represent the complexities of the issue.
Socio-Economic and Political Implications
This news could influence local agricultural policies and create a precedent for similar measures in other regions facing wildlife-related agricultural challenges. It may also ignite debates around wildlife management that could extend into political arenas, particularly regarding how agricultural needs are balanced with environmental conservation.
Community Support
The article is likely to resonate more with agricultural communities and those directly affected by livestock losses. However, it might alienate conservation-minded individuals and organizations who view the proposed measures as a threat to biodiversity.
Market Impact
While the article does not directly relate to stock markets or broader economic indicators, the implications for local agriculture could indirectly affect businesses tied to farming, such as feed suppliers and agricultural services. Stakeholders in these sectors may need to monitor the situation closely.
The current discourse around raven control reflects broader themes in wildlife management and agriculture, echoing recent global discussions about sustainability and the coexistence of human activity with natural ecosystems.
In summary, the article captures a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue about wildlife management, but the framing and selective focus raise important questions about its implications and the potential for manipulation within the narrative.