BirdLife: The Magazine Apr-Jun 2018 | Page 6

NEWS ROUND-UP A R O U N D T H E EUROPE Pa r t n e r s h i p All the latest news, insight and success stories from 121 Partners in 119 countries The Shiant Islands in Scotland, United Kingdom have been declared officially rat-free, following four years of arduous work over rugged terrain. As one of the most important seabird breeding colonies in Europe, the islands host around 100,000 nesting pairs each year, who are now predicted to enjoy improved breeding success. Visitors are being asked to follow simple biosecurity measures. KEY BirdLife Partner BirdLife Country Programme Americas Thirty-four Andean Condors Vultur gryphus were found poisoned in Argentina early this year beside bait laced with toxic agricultural pesticide carbofuran, intended to target puma and other livestock predators. Although the practice is prohibited, it is still common among ranchers. Classed as Near Threatened globally and Threatened in Argentina, this is a huge blow to the condor’s population. AFRICA 6 A brand new breeding site in South Africa has been discovered for the White-winged Flufftail Sarothrura ayresi, a Critically Endangered bird estimated to number only 250 adults. Previously thought to breed exclusively in Ethiopia, camera trap technology developed by BirdLife South Africa has captured footage of mating and youngsters in Middelpunt Wetland. The team are now seeking funding for more cameras. birdlife • apr-jun 2018