New measures aimed at permitting the shooting of juvenile ravens in Orkney are being developed by NatureScot, Scotland's natural heritage agency. This response follows a concerning increase in livestock attacks attributed to these birds, with local farmers reporting substantial injuries and fatalities among lambs, calves, and sheep. Such losses not only inflict emotional distress but also pose considerable financial challenges to the farming community.

At a recent meeting, officials from NatureScot acknowledged that the existing control measures have failed to provide adequate protection for livestock. Currently, the agency offers licences to shoot ravens only when other methods have proven ineffective, such as scaring techniques. Since 2016, 34 licences have been granted in Orkney, resulting in the culling of 124 ravens—58% of the permitted number. However, many farmers express distrust in the licensing system, as it restricts shooting to specific fields, allowing ravens the chance to relocate to adjacent areas.

Robbie Kernahan, a NatureScot director, described the situation in Orkney as "bonkers", advocating for a more flexible licensing regime. This could enable the shooting of ravens over broader areas and for more extended periods, aimed at reducing the populations effectively before winter. Kernahan remarked, “There are not many alternatives to using lethal controls to scare them off,” indicating a need for decisive action in light of the mounting evidence of damage.

Farmer Douglas Paterson has been a vocal advocate for stricter controls, indicating that ravens pose a real threat to vulnerable livestock, particularly when they become incapacitated. He underscored the urgency of the matter by presenting a dead lamb at the meeting, a stark illustration of the losses endured. In response to NatureScot's proposal to tackle the raven issue, Paterson expressed cautious optimism, saying, “If it does happen, I will be delighted. It just remains to be seen how well NatureScot will deliver this."

The context extends beyond Orkney, as other regions in Scotland have also grappled with similar predation issues. Previous licensing measures have been trialled in areas like Skye and Argyll, demonstrating that this phenomenon is not isolated. Kernahan stressed the importance of timely control measures, suggesting that a more tailored approach is warranted to address local needs adequately.

However, not all voices in the community agree with the necessity of lethal measures. Wildlife expert Andy Mitchell has raised concerns, noting that there hasn’t been a significant increase in raven populations according to the latest surveys. He cautioned against removing legal protections without providing compelling evidence that such actions are justified, stating, “NatureScot cannot and must not ride roughshod over licensing rules to accommodate a few farmers.” This underscores an ongoing debate about balancing agricultural needs with wildlife conservation, a tension that is increasingly prominent within Scottish rural policy.

As NatureScot considers adjustments to its licensing framework, the debate continues. Farmers remain eager for swift action, while conservationists advocate for careful deliberation to ensure that wildlife protections are not compromised. The agency has committed to returning with a more comprehensive proposal by the end of summer, hoping to strike a balance that safeguards both livestock and the ravens, whose role in the ecosystem remains significant.

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Source: Noah Wire Services