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The National Birds of
Prey Trust
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2001 - 2002
This is the first report of the Trust I am therefore very pleased to say
that in our short life, we have appointed the following as Trustees:
Robin Rees-Webbe Chairman
Piers Reinhold
Jemima Parry-Jones
John Bannister Treasurer
Henry Robinson
Nichola McAuliffe
And more recently
David Humphrey
Miranda Stevenson
James D Elliott
We are
extremely fortunate that HRH the Princess Royal has agreed to be our patron.
ACTIVITIES During the year our main activities have
been to establish the Trust and getting the right Trustees in place. One
major fund raising activity has been held, which was sadly very badly
affected by the restrictions caused by the FMD epidemic and as a result was
a very low key affair, but still managed to raise £3000
The Whitely
Animal Trust donated £5000 towards a new hospital for the injured wild birds
that are brought to the National Birds of Prey Centre. In addition we
have received a number of small donations from people who are interested in
the work that we do. The Trust in concert with the Centre has received
over 100 injured wild birds of prey in the last year, these have been
treated according to their injuries and wherever possible released back into
the wild.
On the
International front we have had a tremendous boost, as we have been asked to
hold, and set up a captive breeding programme for The Cape Verde Kite which
is a highly endangered bird in need of major conservation efforts. This
project is going ahead and as I write birds are being caught up in Cape
Verde to come over here to enable us to start the work needed.
Our Founding
Trustee has been over to India assisting and training at the new Captive
Care Centre for the Indian White-backed vulture a now critically endangered
species. She is also running a workshop on the conservation Indian Sub
Continent Vulture species in New Orleans in September this year.
The Trust has
agreed to give financial support to the following projects
The Philippine Eagle Foundation
The Jatayu Vulture Care Centre
The Cape Verde Kite Project
We await
funding proposals from the projects.
FUTURE PLANS
During the remainder of 2002 and 2003 the Trust will concentrate on
Establishing a new hospital for injured birds
Setting up Bird First Aid courses for students within the UK
Training of Veterinary Students in Exotics medicine and captive care
The Cape Verde Kite Project
The Education materials
The Trust will continue to take over
the work of the injured wild birds partly covered by the Centre at the
moment. Also potential Training of other conservation bodies such as RSPCA
officers
It is intended to try to hold one
major fund raising event, possible in the autumn of 2002.
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The National Birds of
Prey Trust
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2002 - 2003
As a grant
giving Trust, the need has been to build up funds as quickly as possible for
the start of the Trust’s life. The Trust has been successful in this
objective, mainly due to receiving a legacy of £230,000 from the Keneally
Trust. The Trust is immensely grateful to the late Mrs Keneally and
her Trustees and in particular to her brother Stuart Turner, for their
magnificent support. With this healthy injection of funds, the Trust
is now in a position to make grants. Full details of the financial and
investment policy of the Trust, recommended by the Finance Committee, will
be given by the Treasurer later.
During the
year a grant of £2,000 has been awarded to the Vulture Care Centre at
Pinjore, in Northern India. This Centre is continuing to investigate the
reasons for the dramatic decline of the vulture throughout the sub
continent. Mrs Parry-Jones spoke at the International Conference, held in
May, to discuss the possibilities of organising captive breeding projects.
Further meetings will be held to discuss this very worrying decline in
Pakistan and India.
£2,000 was
granted to the Cape Verde Project, however only £839.11 has been applied for
so far, the rest will probably be used by the end of the year. Five birds
were brought to England (4 F and 1 M). All the birds have settled in well.
The female with the most active ovaries and the male, were put together but,
as expected, they showed no signs of breeding. It is hoped that they will
be successful next spring. The other females were put with a Black Kite to
see if they would come into breeding condition. In the meantime Dr Hille
took blood from all the Cape Verde kites, 10 red kites, 3 yellow billed
kites, 7 black kites and 7 Brahminy kites for comparison and DNA analysis.
The results are not as yet known.
It had been
hoped to initiate work on the hospital, but due to a question mark over the
future of the NBPC, this was put on hold. However, some 32 injured birds
have received treatment so far, of which 11 were released back into the
wild, the bulk of the birds are expected in during the next three months,
when young birds fail after dispersal.
As no further
information or bid had been received from the Philippine Eagle Foundation
since the original offer by JPJ, and the Trust’s request for more detailed
information, no grant has been made.
With our
sound financial position, the Trust can now look again at the Bird First Aid
and training veterinary students in exotic medicine and captive care.
Within the Trust’s policy, continuing, and new projects will be supported
when and where appropriate.
Robin
Rees-Webbe
Chairman
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THE NATIONAL BIRDS OF PREY TRUST
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2003 - 2004
ASIAN
VULTURE CONSERVATION PROJECT During the year 2003 the Trust gave a
second grant to the Vulture Conservation Centre at Pinjore. The reason for
the decline had been identified, so the task of the VCC had now changed from
researching the decline to establishing the first captive breeding centre
for vultures in India, which is urgently needed.
Three species of Asian Gyps vultures have suffered massive and unprecedented
declines of between 97 – 99% in perhaps less than one decade. This was first
documented by Dr Vibhu Prakash (Prakash 1999)
at Keoladeo National Park. In May 2003 Dr Lindsay Oakes (Oaks
et al. 2004) announced his
work that the most probable cause of the decline throughout most of the
birds ranges, and certainly in Pakistan, was Diclofenac. How could a
non steroidal anti inflammatory drug discovered and licensed in the 1970’s
for human use, kill over nine million (at a conservative estimate) birds in
the nineteen nineties in probably ten years? Who could possibly have
foreseen such a happening. However, it has happened and millions of vultures
have died..
In February 2004 there were two workshops held, one in Kathmandu Nepal,
organised by the Peregrine Fund and Nepal BirdLife and one in
Parwanoo, The Parwanoo workshop was co-oganised by BNHS, RSPB
and the ZSL (with Darwin Funds). The workshop was to develop a Vulture
Recovery Plan. Both workshops produced recommendations and MOU’s for those
attending each workshop to sign. The attending governments of Pakistan,
Nepal, India and all the various scientists and NGO’s signed up willingly to
these recommendations.. At the Parwanoo workshop further details on
the crisis were presented. A model prepared by Dr Ian Newton and Dr Rhys
Green (in press 2004) showed that only one in 250 cattle would have to
contain toxic levels of diclofenac to cause the declines recorded. It was
shown that there were an estimated 502 million ungulates in India and 2.5
million doses of diclofenac are used annually. During that workshop every
other possible cause for the decline was looked at, from other toxins right
through to the competitive flying of kites, and no evidence for any of them
was available to disprove that Diclofenac is not responsible. To add
to further concerns, the vastly reduced populations of vultures had an
observed (Prakash 2003) further decline of 61% for G.
bengalensis, 59% for G. indicus, and 89% for G. tenuirostris
over and about the original declines of 97 – 99%. So the time span
left to save these species is fast running out.
Two main recommendations came from the workshops. The first was that these
three species of Gyps vultures need to be removed from the source of the
decline urgently. So it was decided to initiate captive breeding schemes for
all three species. A minimum of three centres needed to be initiated,
each holding 25 pairs of each species – preferably sixty individuals from
each species. This is the absolute minimum and more would be desirable and
sensible. One Centre
already exists in Pinjore in Northern India. The Pinjore Centre was set up
with funding from the Darwin Initiative grant to ZSL, with extra funding
from NBPT, RSPB & ZSL. Initially its remit was to look for the cause of the
decline, and after the cause had been substantiated, to prepare for a
captive breeding programme. This centre will be extended and permission
within India has been recently granted for two other centres.
Sadly
permission to take birds was not as fast in coming as it should have been
and the 2003/2004 breeding season is past. However preparations are in hand
for the 2004/2005 season. This captive
breeding programme has the long term aim of self sustaining populations of
all three species of vultures back in the wild by 2030.
At a meeting
in Delhi in May between the Indian Government, some of the large drug
companies veterinary institutes from within India, and the various national
and international NGO’s involved, met to discuss the situation. The main
thrust of the meeting turned out to be the banning of diclofenac as it is
used in veterinary medicine. Surprisingly the companies represented there
were well on the way to not only understanding the need, but realizing the
ban had to go ahead. Someone thinking cynically might have said that with
all the publicity within India in the months prior to the meeting, the
companies had seen the writing on the wall and decided to play the good
guys. However generally, although those representing government were not all
convinced, the banning of Diclofenac took a good step forward at that
meeting, with a possible ban within twelve months being discussed openly. There is some
thought that if Diclofenac is banned within 12 months, then after that time
the vultures will not need to be kept safely in captivity, or the huge
commitment of a captive breeding programme be embarked upon. However. DDT
was banned in the UK in the 1960’s and is still found today in farm sheds
and cupboards, and that in a country which supposedly has a good education
system and methods of communication, the damage that DDT caused could hardly
be called a secret. There will undoubtedly be diclofenac in cupboards, in
pharmacies and veterinary practices for years to come. And as the population
of vultures declines it would not take much to finish the job and complete
their extinction. Diclofenac is found in at least 21 different veterinary
products on the market. Thus we all feel that as many birds as possible
should be got in for the sake of their lives. If at a later date we can be
assured that all Diclofenac, and any other lethal drugs are no longer
around, then birds can easily be released.
An initial
pilot survey in India by the BNHS, ZSL and RSPB has showed that, in the
first 37 dead animals tested for traces of diclofenac, where they expected
to find nothing as it was a tiny initial sample, three animals had traces of
diclofenac. After the
February meeting a survey was send round to as many zoos and veterinary
surgeons as possible to establish what NSAIDs had been used in captive birds
and to what effect. Although the sample size is not huge it looks as if some
of the more modern and specific NSAIDs may be safe for animal use in vulture
habitat. Initial
testing of Gyps africanus has found them at least as sensitive to diclofenac
as the Asian species, further testing has found that Gyps fulvus is also as
sensitive (Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Andalucía, and Zoo
Botánico Jerez). This points to a possible answer to the decline in
Eurasian Griffon vultures that winter in India and Pakistan. Further tests
are being done to check the safety of other NSAIDs that have been used in
gyps vultures and other raptors in captivity.
In surveys in
India recently, it appears that there are declines in other scavenging
species of birds of prey as well, not just gyps vultures, but other vultures
and possibly even the ubiquitous Black Kite. There is a high chance that the
effects of diclofenac is more lethal and widespread than first thought.
The Trust is pleased to be involved in this project and hopes
to have a long term commitment until the vultures are safe.
CAPE VERDE PROJECT Further research has been initiated into the taxonomic status
of the Cape Verde Kites, this process of identifying DNA is a long drawn out
process and answers are expected next year. In the meantime the Kites are
still in the UK under the financial responsibility of the Trust.
FUNDING FOR INJURED WILD RAPTORS BROUGHT TO NBPC The Injured Bird report up to Jan 31st 2004 is
attached, bird continue to come into the National Birds of Prey Centre, and
be accepted. The Veterinary service has moved from Stroud to Swindon, which
means the trip with the birds is longer, however Lansdown Vet Group and
Great Western Referrals continue to treat the birds free of charge, for
which the Trust thanks them.
HOSPITAL PROJECT For the year of this report the Hospital project and funds
have been on hold due to changes in circumstances at NBPC, however the plan
is to get a written commitment from the new owner of the Centre on the
receiving of injured birds for a guaranteed five years, and then move on
with the project.
FINANCES. The Chairman is pleased to report that the Trust remains in a
sound financial position.
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THE
NATIONAL BIRDS OF PREY TRUST
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2004 - 2005
TRUST
POLICY The Trust
had continued to promote its objectives by supporting and encouraging the
conservation, protection and preservation of raptors throughout the world,
through the award of grants, when the trustees considered it appropriate and
prudent to allocate funds. Individuals and institutions receiving
grants were selected for the practicality of the work and its relevance to
the aims of the Trust. When awarding grants, trustees also considered
what alternative funds had been given to or investigated by the applicants.
Trustees are particularly grateful to Dr Stevenson and her advisory group
for its examination of the scientific and methodology value of the
applications.
GRANT APPLICATIONS AND AWARDS
During the year, 5 applications for grants were received:
The effect of grazing on density and breeding success of Lesser and Eurasian
Kestrels for £4500. This was agreed.
Nesting performance of a declining population of Eurasian Kestrels for
£1850. This was not agreed as the project was not considered to be of
sufficient merit.
Assessing the health status of raptors by measuring the protein levels and
other blood parameters as an indicator of raptor health for £2,200.
This was agreed'
Postgraduate GIS project to model land use by wintering hen harriers and
their farmland prey for £4,500. This was agreed. £1,500 would be
given each year for a period of three years.
Ecology, breeding biology and habitat requirements of Asian Fishing Eagles
for £5,000. Initially this study was to be carried out in Nepal and
was not agreed due to the political difficulties in the country. The
study has been moved to Cambodia and was subject to further investigation by
the Trust.
In addition, trustees agreed to make a grant of £5.000 to the National Birds
of Prey Centre towards the costs of building a new bird hospital and care
centre. This money is covered by a grant to the Trust from the Whitley
Animal Trust and is subject to strict conditions on the building plans and
subsequent use. As the plans were still not agreed, the grant has yet
to be paid. It was hoped that work would start in the financial year
of 2005-2006. A further grant would be available to cover the costs of
caring for injured birds, also subject to strict conditions.
The Cape Verdi Kites had arrived at
the NBPC and trustees agreed to cover the vet bill of £887. This was
paid directly to the Veterinary practice.
The Indian Vulture Breeding Project
was now under way and was very worthy of the support from the Trust.
Further support would only be given subject to continual monitoring of the
work.
FUND RAISING The Trust is
small with very specific aims which have limited public appeal.
Trustees have given much thought to the subject during the year and feel
that no major appeal should be launched until there is a project that would
generate wide public interest. This could be the Indian Vulture
Breeding Project. Any appeal if it is to be successful will need at
least a 2-year lead in . Trustees need to decide on a policy, and how
it is to be pursued. As a start, a website has been established with a
good photo library.
FINANCIAL STATE OF TRUST Throughout the year, trustees have been kept up to date with and discussed
all financial matters and received a full copy of the audited accounts.
I will therefore make no further comment. The Trust will continue to
maintain its present policy when awarding grants.
TRUST ADMINISTRATION
Registered office: The Trust registered address is now with the
accountants.
Secretarial Support: There is a need for a very limited secretarial
support. Unfortunately the person who used to fill the post is no
longer able to do so. A search is being made for a suitable new
secretary.
A R Rees-Webbe
1 September 2005
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THE
NATIONAL BIRDS OF PREY TRUST
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2005 - 2006
TRUSTEES Mr Elliot retired on 5 September 2005, as he could no longer travel from America to attend meeting of trustees; Mr Humphreys retired on 6 February 2006 due to family and business reasons.
TRUST POLICY The Trust had continued to promote its objectives by supporting and encouraging the conservation, protection and preservation of raptors throughout the world through the award of grants, when the trustees considered it appropriate and prudent to allocate funds. Individuals and institutions receiving grants were selected for the practicality of the work and its relevance to the aims of the Trust. When awarding grants, trustees also considered what alternative funds had been given to or investigated by the applicants, and whether others had already completed similar scientific work.
Trustees have continued to rely on Dr Stevenson and her advisory group for its examination of the scientific and methodology value of applications for grants, advice for which trustees are most grateful.
GRANT APPLICATIONS AND AWARDS During the year new 3 applications for grants were received and 1 outstanding application reviewed:
1. Research into breeding and habitat requirements of the Asian fish eagle. A grant of £5,000.was agreed.
2. South Asia vulture recovery programme. A grant of £12,000 was agreed, £6,000 in 2005 and £6,000 in 2006.
3. Research into vectors of mosquito disease in native and exotic birds in Southern England. No grant was awarded.
4. The National Birds of Prey Centre Newent. Application for a grant for its hospital was again reviewed. No grant was awarded.
FUND RAISING The policy for fund raising was reviewed. Until a major application with a wide public appeal was received fund raising would remain low key. The web site would be brought up to date. It was agreed to seek the advice of an expert over Trust policy..
FINANCIAL STATE OF THE TRUST Trust finances were sound. Income from capital was slightly up on 2004. The small drop in total funds was due to the full use being made of the money available for grants.
Throughout the year trustees have been kept up to date with and discussed all financial matters, and received a full copy of the audited accounts.
To preserve the limited assets the Trust policy of normally only using income to pay grants would continue. In exceptional circumstances to meet a short-term need, up to 10% of assets could be used to award a grant.
TRUST ADMINISTRATION Mrs Tessa Reinhold had been appointed secretary to trustees and company secretary on 5 September 2005.
FIVE YEAR PLAN The five year plan was confirmed without change
A R Rees-Webbe
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NATIONAL BIRDS OF PREY TRUST
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2006 - 2007
TRUSTEES Mr Henry Robinson and Colonel Robin Rees-Webbe retired by rotation and were re-elected. Mrs Jemima Parry-Jones was still in America and had been unable to attend meetings during the year, but kept in close touch with all Trust business and her advice was always readily available
TRUST POLICY The Trust had continued to promote its objectives by supporting and encouraging the conservation, protection and preservation of raptors throughout the world through the award of grants, when the trustees considered it appropriate and prudent to allocate funds. Individuals and institutions receiving grants were selected for the practicality of the work and its relevance to the aims of the Trust. When awarding grants trustees also considered what alternative funds had been given to or investigated by the applicants, and whether similar scientific work had already been completed by others.
Dr Stevenson and her advisory group have continued to examine the scientific and methodology value of applications for grants, advice for which trustees are most grateful.
GRANT APPLICATIONS AND AWARDS
Four new applications for grants were received and one outstanding bid reviewed:
1. Non- invasive monitoring of golden eagles in Scotland. A grant of £3000 was agreed.
2. The study of eagles in Kazakhstan. A grant of £8,350 was agreed, of which £7750 was awarded for 2007
3. The South Asian vulture project. A grant of £6,000 was awarded.
4. Support for the hospital at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. A grant of £2,000 was given.
5. The National Birds of Prey Centre, Newent – grant application for the hospital again reviewed. No grant awarded.
CURRENT GRANTS Excellent reports had been received from the South Asia vulture recovery programme.
Difficulties had been reported over the tracking hen harriers, but the programme was continuing and should be completed on time.
Miss Shrum had sent excellent reports on her work investigating the effect of mercury as a threat to raptors in Peru.
FUND RAISING Bids for grants once again exceeded the money available. Ways of increasing Trust funds were very much in the forefront of Trust thinking but small trusts with limited appeal faced great difficulties when seeking public support.
THE FINANCIAL STATE OF THE TRUST Trust finances were sound. Income from capital was slightly down on 2005. The small drop in total funds was due to the full use of the money available for grants.
Throughout the year trustees have been kept up to date with and discussed all financial matters, and received a full copy of the audited accounts.
To preserve the limited assets the Trust policy of normally only using income to pay grants would continue. In exceptional circumstances, to meet a short term need, up to 10% of assets could be used to award a grant.
FIVE YEAR PLAN The five year plan was confirmed without change. The plan would be reviewed in 2007
A.R.Rees-Webbe 17 Aug 07
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