It wasn’t until mid-February that a beautiful animal was found dead with gunshot wounds in Marchfeld. Uninjured and apparently unharmed, on April 12, a man discovered an imperial eagle lying in a field not far away in Stetteldorf, Lower Austria. After direct examination it is now clear: the bird was poisoned.
The cause of death seemed clear on the spot, as a BildLife contributor noted: the beautiful bird had previously eaten enormous amounts of meat. After detailed investigation, it was confirmed that the substance carbofuran, previously used as an insecticide, was again the cause of the animal’s death. The substance, which is usually blue-violet in the form of grains and is also dangerous to humans, was banned in 2008 but is still in circulation.
Crime against protected birds of prey is increasing
“The poisonings that became known this year of a white-tailed eagle near Neusiedl am See (Burgenland) and of a red kite near Rechnitz (Burgenland) and the shooting of an imperial eagle in Marchfeld (Lower Austria) represent the sad tip of the iceberg besides this case of poisoning at Wagram,” complains Johannes Hohenegger of BirdLife.
Important information for authorities, even anonymously
The National Investigation Agency and the official veterinarian have been informed. We now ask whether anyone made observations during the suspicious period at the beginning of April. Every police station, BirdLife Austria accepts reports on 0660 869 23 27 or notification@wildlifecrime (also anonymous).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
