Persecutors include 'rogue elements in the pigeon racing and game shooting communities', claims bird conservation charity

Conservationists have urged ministers and the police to intensify their efforts to protect peregrine falcons, after new figures suggested very high levels of peregrine persecution this year.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reports today that it has already received more than 50 reports of peregrines being deliberately poisoned, shot or snared since the beginning of January.

There were 79 incidents reported for the whole of 2007, and interim figures suggest there will be 85 reported incidents recorded for 2008. The RSPB fears ...

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