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Greater protection for rare birds |
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Monday, 17 December 2007 |
Two new Special Protection Areas have been designated in Scotland for the protection of the hen harrier, chough and corncrake.
Renfrewshire Heights (a large area of moorland south of Greenock) and
the island of Oronsay and the southern part of Colonsay will now be
protected under European conservation law.
The decision to designate the SPAs follows consultation by Scottish
Natural Heritage with local owners and occupiers on behalf of the
Scottish Government.
Environment Minister Michael Russell said: "Scotland is a stronghold
for hen harriers in the UK and I am very pleased to provide this extra
security for the species in the Clyde Muirshiel area.
"Responsible land management is helping maintain chough and corncrake
numbers on Oronsay and South Colonsay, and I would like to thank those
involved.
"Scotland is home to a rich and varied biodiversity and we must do
everything we can to protect this wonderful natural resource," Russell
added.
Special Protection Areas are classified under the EC Wild Birds
Directive and support rare, vulnerable or migratory wild birds and
their habitats. Today's announcement means there are now 144 in
Scotland.
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