Yes it does seem surprising, as they are defiantly increasing in the south.
I am not to familiar with their status abroad. Do they occur in all habitats, from mountains and moorland to the city centres in other parts of the world?
I only ask (and I really don't know) but I wonder if this decline in Scotland etc, is a result of peregrines having more confidence in man and moving into the city centres and away from the open country.
It seems strange to say, but perhaps they are less at risk in towns than in areas where they risk direct persecution from gamekeepers.
Billy Boy said:
Food shortages, unproductive moorland, changing weather and the effects of pesticides in the food chain are all thought to have contributed to the fall in numbers.
The above possible contributory factors to the fall in numbers would be less so in towns.
In the south they are nesting on Cathedrals, pylons, office blocks and Chimneys etc.
So maybe the decline is in fact just a move from open country into the city centres, Peregrines are opportunists, and take a wide range of prey, they have little trouble adapting (as a species) to a different habitats.
The one that stands out on the list is 'Food shortages' essential for survival of course, this is never a problem in the city centres. I local pair to me last year raised four young; (not sure about this year) they have an endless supply of pigeons (which breed all year round) though remains found in the nest covered a variety of species including several different waders.
Like I say I don't know but I think as a species Peregrines are doing ok, perhaps they are adapting to take advantage of different situations which now suit them better.
Are there Peregrines in Scottish Towns?
Rich