Figures reveal that protected birds of prey are being targeted and killed in Hampshire

Hundreds of birds of prey have been targeted since 2007

Since 2007 there have been 11 confirmed cases in Hampshire of birds of prey being killed.

The charity said evidence shows birds of prey killings have been largely concentrated on and near grouse shooting moors, with North Yorkshire seeing the most incidents by far - 147 since 2007. It is now calling on the UK governments to toughen legislation on grouse shooting.

Despite being legally protected, there have been over 1,300 confirmed incidents of birds of prey persecution across the UK since 2007.

The RSPB said the figures collected by their investigations team and other sources only represent known incidents, with many remaining undetected and unreported, especially in remote areas.

The RSPB said half of the confirmed incidents occurred within protected landscapes, with many happening on and near driven grouse moors, where teams of beaters push grouse towards shooters.

Mark Thomas, RSPB Head of Investigations UK, said the killing of birds of prey was just one symptom of a ‘wholly unsustainable’ grouse shooting industry, alongside burning peatlands to help boost grouse numbers for the sport.

A UK Government spokesperson said they recognise the importance of tackling wildlife crime but have no current plans to carry out a review of grouse moor management.

They said: ‘We are clear those found guilty of killing these majestic animals should be subject to the full force of the law.’