Bird of prey report shows poison is leading cause of unnatural death

The first national report on birds of prey persecution and poisoning in Ireland has been published.

A total of 33 incidents were recorded in 2011. 24 of them were fatal.

15 of the birds died from toxicosis, eight were shot, and another bird died after a human inflicted an injury to one of its wings.

Red Kite was the most common type of bird affected, followed by Common Buzzard.

The report was published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Heritage.