The first thing that is obvious is that NE received 14 applications for control of buzzards in respect of damage to livestock / wild birds (and other than for bird strike) during 2003-2012. No licenses were granted during that ten year period.
During 2013 to date, 5 license applications have been received in respect of the same and 3 have been granted. So the approval rate has gone from 0% to 60% overnight!
So, what has changed between 2003-2012 and 2013?
- Have buzzards become much more efficient at killing pheasants and their chicks with the turn of the year?
- Has any new substantive science been done which supports licence approval?
- Have junior staff & middle managers responsible for processing the applications all been replaced with other less conservation-minded colleagues?
I wonder what has happened...
cheers, alan