Hi Tweets,

For anyone who can respond to this post on EuroBirdnet, it might be worthwhile.

M

>This is an appeal for help in a matter that might have serious consequences
in the coming years. Austrian hunters claim that the relatively high numbers
of Buzzards, Goshawks, Sparrowhawks, Marsh Harriers and Kestrels have a bad
impact on Pheasant, Partridge and Hare populations, and want to reduce the
raptor populations. Last year, there were quite a lot of illegal poisonings
of raptors (and no indictments). This year, a further effort was made to
reach their goal by putting pressure on the state governments. The
questionable means which were used to provide foundations for the
>proposal included:
>- Raptor counts during fall migration (when numbers are much higher than
> during the rest of the year);
>- Manipulated raptor population figures;
>- False information on game killed by raptors.
>
>Needless to say, these birds existed in much higher densities in thepast,
and there were more Partridges and Hares then. Kestrels, as we all know,are
practically no threat to any of the species mentioned, and Buzzards will
only take very small or weak animals of that size. The main reasons for the
decline of these game species lie elsewhere:
>- Loss of habitat
>- Pesticides
>- Cars
>- The hunt
>
>However, the hunter's lobby is strong. The new Burgenland hunting law has
not improved raptor protection, but weakened it. As it stands now, local
authorities in the Burgenland can declare open season on some raptors
(Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel - the Marsh Harrier claims are
too ridiculous, after all). As we all know, raptor identification is
difficult, and many hunters are very weak observers, therefore quite alotof
protected raptors (including Golden and Imperial Eagles) have been shot "by
accident" in the past. I would be very grateful if you could write or send a
fax to the governour of the Burgenland:
>
>Landeshauptmann Karl Stix
>Amt der Burgenl. Landesregierung
>A-7000 Eisenstadt
>Fax ++43 2682 600 2900
>
>and/or the department head for nature protection
>
>Hofrat MMag. Dr. Wilfried Hicke
>Amt der Burgenl. Landesregierung
>Abt. IV - Natur- und Landschaftsschutz
>A-7001 Eisenstadt
>Fax ++43 2682 600 2817
>
>and express your concern about this situation. You might stress the good
record that Austria, and especially the Burgenland, enjoys as far as
protection of the environment goes, and wonder what caused this
uncharacteristic deviation from a successful policy. Please ask for total
protection of all raptors, since the actual damage done by them is
>minimal and they have a major role in maintaining the balance of nature.
The more good you can say about them, the better.
>
>It might help if you also threatened economic boycott of Austrian products
both by yourself and the other members of your organization (Austria relies
on export), or the cancellation of a trip to the Burgenland planned for a
group of birdwatchers from your country next spring (we are also very
interested in tourism). You might say you would follow developments through
your contacts with nature protection groups in Austria.
>
>We are very impressed by titles in this country, so if there are any titles
you can add to your name please do so. We are also impressed by foreign
languages, so please use your national language.
>
>Please take this opportunity to help us in our fight for better protection
of nature against these ill-founded claims of hunters! In a larger Europe,
this is also YOUR nature and YOUR birds! WE will do our best to help YOU
when you need help!
>
>Please let me know about any letters or faxes that you send. I will pass
the information on to the organizations involved.
>
>Many thanks in advance
>Peter Hirsch
>Vienna, Austria