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UK Peregrine Falcon Nests Targeted by Traffickers

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The investigation indicates hundreds of peregrine falcon nests in the UK have been raided over the past decade to meet demand for racing and breeding in the Middle East.
Police Scotland has been probing this issue since 2021, uncovering trafficking linked to the illegal trade of these protected birds.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) data show 126 nest raids from 2014 to 2023, with 21 confirmed cases.

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Story summary

The investigation indicates hundreds of peregrine falcon nests in the UK have been raided over the past decade to meet demand for racing and breeding in the Middle East.
Police Scotland has been probing this issue since 2021, uncovering trafficking linked to the illegal trade of these protected birds.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) data show 126 nest raids from 2014 to 2023, with 21 confirmed cases.