THE poisoning of a red kite in Dorset has prompted wildlife campaigners to urge people to be vigilant to help stop persecution of birds of prey.

It comes as the RSPB’s Birdcrime 2015 is published, which lists 196 reports of illegal persecution of birds of prey in the UK, including the confirmed shootings of 16 buzzards, 11 peregrines, three red kites, one red-footed falcon and one hen harrier.

Ten incidents of bird of prey persecution were reported from the South West, including the shooting of two peregrines, one in Devon the other in Somerset.

One bird of prey was found poisoned in Dorset, a red kite. A herring gull was also poisoned in the county.

The figures are thought to represent a fraction of the number of offences, with many incidents going unreported and undetected.

Tony Whitehead, RSPB spokesman in the South West, said: “Although persecution of birds of prey is unusual in the South West it does happen.

“Already this year we have had another buzzard shot and killed, at Chedzoy, in Somerset, and in the previous 12 months, since the figures in Birdcrime 2015 were compiled, there were several incidents, including an illegal pole trap being discovered in East Devon, a peregrine shot and wounded in South Devon, and another peregrine poisoned, also in South Devon.

“These are magnificent creatures and conservation groups, the shooting community and the general public need to be vigilant, in order to stop a small minority from continuing to commit these kinds of wildlife crimes.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman added: “It is very distressing to think people take pleasure in causing horrific injuries to defenceless animals.

“We would remind people that all wild birds in England and Wales are protected and anyone shooting birds without a licence could face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000 if found guilty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.”

In all, there were 16 incidents of wild bird crime reported in the South West in 2015, one in Bristol, two in Cornwall, six in Devon, two in Dorset, two in Somerset (including one in the North Somerset Council area) and three in Wiltshire.

Six of those reports involved poisoning.

Despite persecution of birds of prey being identified as one of the UK government’s top wildlife crime priorities, the practice remains an issue of serious concern with around 590 birds of prey confirmed poisoned, shot, trapped or otherwise destroyed in the last six years, the majority outside South West England.

The RSPB believes tougher legislation and enforcement is needed if birds of prey are to thrive in their natural environment.