Poisoned peregrine falcons found dead - 10'000 Fr. reward
Two peregrine falcons have been found dead on a high chimney in Wallisellen ZH.
Several passersby recently observed Peregrine falcons in the Hagenholz/Aubrugg region. On March 16, a gamekeeper contacted a specialist from the Animal and Environmental Protection Department of the Zurich Cantonal Police (Kapo) and asked about the whereabouts of the peregrine falcons. The Kapo immediately set out to search for the missing animals, as it writes. On the plateau of the wood-fired power plant Aubrugg, a missing female peregrine falcon and another female were found dead. Next to both birds lay one dead pigeon each. According to the police investigation, the birds of prey were killed by these pigeons.
A liquid poison was applied to the neck of the pigeons by unknown persons. If a peregrine falcon appeared, the pigeon was let fly in its direction. The birds of prey pounced on the prepared pigeons and brought them to the plucking place on the high chimney. While eating the prey, the protected birds came into contact with the poison and died, the Kapo further writes. One of the female birds was about to breed.
According to examinations by specialists of the Forensic Institute Zurich (FOR), the poison is a frass and contact poison.
The SVS/BirdLife Switzerland has offered a reward of up to CHF 10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator(s).
Witness appeal:
Persons who have made in the time before Monday (16.3.2015) suspicious perceptions in connection with the peregrine falcons and / or conspicuously behaving persons, are asked to report to the cantonal police Zurich, telephone 044 247 22 11.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that peregrine falcons have been poisoned. More Backgrounds on previous poisoning cases can be read on the Birdlife website.
