You are here:

Changes to the Bird Registration Scheme

   

NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 295/08
Date: 5 September 2008

Following a thorough review, the species of birds kept in captivity that need to be registered with Defra have been confirmed by Wildlife Minister, Joan Ruddock today.

In England, from 1 October 2008, keepers of golden eagles, goshawk, honey buzzard, marsh harrier, white-tailed eagle, Montagu’s harrier, and osprey will continue to register their birds on The Bird Registration Scheme (Schedule 4 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981).   Fifty other species on Schedule 4 will be removed and keepers will no longer be required to pay a fee and register those birds.

Keepers of peregrine falcons and merlins will still be required to undertake registration unless the specific bird is covered by a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) certificate.

Joan Ruddock said:

“The revised list of species on The Bird Registration Scheme targets conservation action at those species whose conservation status is most at risk from being taken from the wild for commercial purposes.

“It will also mean more proportionate regulation for responsible bird keepers, while ensuring that those species most at risk are targeted.”  

From 1 July 2007, an indefinite ban on the importation of wild birds into the European Union came into force.  The Government therefore believes that non-native birds do not need to be listed on Schedule 4 as they can no longer be imported into the EU except under exceptional circumstances.  These species will also be subject to separate controls under CITES.

It remains an offence to possess a bird taken from the wild, and the onus of proof remains on the person who possess a wild bird to show it was legally acquired.

Notes to editors

  1. Registration of certain bird species held in captivity is required under section 7 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  Birds that currently need to be registered with Defra are listed on Schedule 4 to the Act
  1. There are currently 59 species of birds that need to be registered with Defra if they are kept in captivity.  Defra undertook a review of registration under section 7 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in England, Scotland and Wales.  The consultation started on 1 November 2006, and closed on 16 February 2007.
  1. Birds of prey removed from Schedule 4 that require CITES certificates will continue to be open to inspection and possible DNA testing to ascertain legitimacy of origin.
  1. The Government is committed to reducing wildlife crime, and in April this year committed to the continued funding of the National Wildlife Crime Unit for the next three years. 
  1. Specimens of peregrine falcon and merlin that are subject to a CITES certificate (an Article 10 certificate) will not require separate registration with Defra. 
  1. The press release on the future of The Bird Registration Scheme can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080123b.htm Wildlife management is devolved, and the Bird Registration Scheme is implemented separately by the English, Scottish and Welsh Administrations. 

End

Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960

Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development

Page published: 5 September 2008