Over roofvogelbedreigingen in Rusland en Centraal Azië

The observation of the electrocution of a first-year Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus (positive ID, yellow cere) in early June 2007 near the village of Shilovo in the Kostroma region (ENE of Moscow) revealed that electrocution is probably a common and widespread phenomenon in Russia, where old-fashioned transformers are still in use across wide ranges of land. Remains of raptors, mostly Goshawks Accipter gentilis, were found underneath several other transformers. This type of mortality goes unnoticed, as the vegetation around transformers is uncut and high, hiding victims from view. Unless transformers are modified or replaced by safer units, raptor mortality through electrocution in Russia is bound to continue. Raptor protection in Central Asia and China is not enforced, despite the fact that many raptor species have been Red Listed. In the province of Gansu, raptors including vultures are widely persecuted and captured for sale. Governmental officials from the Forestry Department (encompassing Nature Protection) admitted that interests of farming and forestry had priority. An exception was made for high-priority species, for which law-enforcement was particularly strict.