Countryfile host admits 'that frustrates me' as he's left astonished on secret mission

Resumen detallado

Countryfile presenter Hamza Yassin told viewers he was at a secret location during the latest episode as he got involved in a remarkable project. Opening the BBC programme on…

Countryfile presenter Hamza Yassin told viewers he was at a secret location during the latest episode as he got involved in a remarkable project. Opening the BBC programme on Sunday, 15 November, Hamza revealed he was joining a dedicated team on a covert mission, "racing against time" to help safeguard peregrine falcons. Hamza told viewers: "Because of poaching activity in the area my exact location is a secret but my mission starts somewhere near the Moffat Hills in the Southern Uplands of Scotland." He went on to say: "I'm about to get up close and personal with one of the most epic hunters in the world - the peregrine falcon.

Hamza then linked up with George Smith and Rebecca Dickson, volunteers from the Scottish Raptor Study Group, who are responsible for monitoring and helping to safeguard the birds. Rebecca advised that those hoping to observe the birds should venture out with an experienced companion and avoid causing any disturbance to the nests.

George emphasised that they are specially protected species and the public is prohibited from approaching them. "They are being looked for by other people, potentially for persecution reasons, so we try to keep some of these sites secret. Some are well known and quite public but lots are very discreet."

As part of the battle against persecution, Hamza's task included gathering DNA samples from the chicks. George highlighted that previously some nests had been targeted by gamekeepers, while more recently individuals have been stealing chicks for falconry purposes. He referenced one particular case where a group of chicks were removed and trafficked to the Middle East.

Hamza said: "As a nature lover I don't understand how someone can go up to a nest and go 'beautiful chicks, I'll take all of these'. I can't comprehend that."

George, who revealed he lost approximately six nests annually, explained that financial gain was the primary motivation, with birds fetching an average of £5,000 each, though he had heard of some…

Rebec…

Inicio del artículo, extracto de Daily Express. Para leer el resto, abra el artículo en el sitio del medio.