Schedule 4 species since 2016

Summary

The request sought data on Schedule 4 birds kept, imported, exported, died, or escaped on the Isle of Man since 2016. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed full species counts by year, specific import/export records, and lists of deceased and escaped birds.

Key Facts

• Total Schedule 4 birds kept ranged from 19 in 2017 to 24 in 2019 and 2020.
• Two owls were imported in 2021 (one Tawny, one Little) and one Spectacled owl was exported to the UK in 2017.
• Since 2016, 10 birds have died, including 3 Barn owls and 2 Peregrine falcons.
• Several escapes occurred, including a permanently disabled Kestrel in 2020 and two Great horned owls in 2016.
• The response noted that rehabilitated wild birds must be reported under Section 7(1) of the Wildlife Act 1990.

Data Disclosed

• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021
• 19
• 20
• 24
• 22
• 3 Barn owls
• 2 Peregrine falcons
• 1 Long-eared owl
• 1 Eagle owl
• 2 Little owls
• 1 Goshawk
• July 2021
• August 2021
• April 2020
• Section 7 (1)
• Wildlife Act 1990

Original Request

Each year since 2016, many Schedule 4 birds have been kept on the IOM, what species are they and how many of each species are kept? How many schedule 4 species have been imported to or from the Isle of Man? How many have died or escaped?

Data Tables (2)

Full Response Text

Freedom of Information Co-ordinator Corporate Services Directorate Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel no (01624) 685854 Fax no (01624 685851 Email: defa@gov.im www.gov.im

Our ref: 2020824 6th October 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 4th October 2021 and which states:

"Each year since 2016, many Schedule 4 birds have been kept on the IOM, what species are they and how many of each species are kept? How many schedule 4 species have been imported to or from the Isle of Man? How many have died or escaped?" I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. How many Schedule 4 birds have been kept on the IOM, what species are they and how many of each species are kept? Species 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 to date Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 1 1 1 1 1 Harris Hawk - Parbuteo unicinctus 1 1 1 1 1 Goshawk - Accipter gentilis 2 2 2 2 1 Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus 1 1 1 1 0 Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus 1 3 4 4 3 Pegegrine-saker hybrid - Falco Peregrinus- F.cherrug 2 2 2 2 2 Bengal Owl - Bubo bengalensis 1 1 1 1 1 Great horned Owl - Bubu virginianus 1 1 1 1 1 Eagle Owl - Bubo bubo 3 3 3 3 3 Spectacled Owl - Pulsatrix perspicillata 5 4 6 6 6 Barn Owl - Tyto alba 1 1 1 1 1

Little Owl - Athene noctua 1 1 1 Tawny Owl - Strix aluco 1 Total 19 20 24 24 22 How many Schedule 4 species have been imported to or from the Isle of Man? Since 2016, one Tawny owl was imported to the Isle of Man (July 2021) and one Little owl (August 2021). One Spectacled owl was exported from the Isle of Man, to the UK, in 2017. How many Schedule 4 species have died? Since 2016 the following birds have died: • 3 Barn owls • 2 Peregrine falcons • 1 Long-eared owl • 1 Eagle owl • 2 Little owls • 1 Goshawk How many Schedule 4 species have escaped? Since 2016 the following birds have escaped: • 1 wild, permanently disabled, Kestrel that had been in captivity since August 2017 escaped in April 2020 • 2 Great horned owls escaped in 2016 and 1 was retrieved • 1 Goshawk escaped in 2015 Further information There are currently 2 Peregine falcons, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Merlin being held in captivity while they are being rehabilitated. Under Section 7 (1) o the Wildlife Act 1990 the Department must be informed of all Schedule 4 birds held in captivity including wild Schedule 4 birds being rehabilitated following injury or illness.

Please quote the reference number 2020824 in any future communications.

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