Surrey police use DNA to protect peregrine falcons from theft
Police and wildlife experts have tagged and taken DNA samples from peregrine falcon chicks in Surrey to help prevent illegal theft and identify stolen birds
Police officers in Surrey have joined wildlife specialists to tag and take DNA samples from recently hatched peregrine falcon chicks to help prevent illegal theft.
On Thursday, 22 May, rural crime officers from Surrey Police worked alongside bird ringers from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) at a peregrine falcon nest site in Surrey. The team ringed and took DNA swabs from three chicks — two males and one female — while the adult birds kept watch nearby.
Peregrine falcons are targeted by the illegal wildlife trade, with two sets of eggs stolen in Surrey last year. The birds and their eggs are legally protected, and police have been collaborating with the National Wildlife Crime Unit, local bird watchers, and ringers to stop further thefts and identify offenders.
PC Laura Rowley said: "The DNA samples taken will be added to the national peregrine DNA database. Like humans, peregrine families can be linked by their DNA, so stolen chicks or siblings can be identified if recovered."
PCSO Dave Sadler added: "This new approach will help crack down on illegal wildlife crime in Surrey and across the country."
After being safely swabbed and tagged, the chicks were returned to their nest to continue growing and prepare to fly.
Officers ask anyone living near the nest site not to share its location to help protect the birds in their natural home.