Illegal poisonings threaten red kites

03 April 1998

Illegal poisonings threaten red kites

CONSERVATIONISTS blame gamekeepers and landowners for widespread illegal poisoning which is threatening the reintroduction of the red kite, almost hunted to extinction at the turn of the century.

A seventh kite has been found dead on farmland in West Strathearn. The toxins used were said to be more associated with game-shooting practices than with farming activity. The pesticides Carbofuran and Alphachloralose were used.

• The Scotsman 03/04/98 page 10