The camera will film the nest

The surveillance equipment has been set up around the nest in the Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare to prevent wildlife criminals from attacking the site.

Anyone who enters the site will be marked with the DNA which can be detected through forensic testing.

It is the first time in Wales that this technique has been used.

Peregrines have nested at the park in the Cynon Valley for nearly 100 years but have been persecuted by egg collectors and people who see the bird as a menace.

Historically egg collectors gave raided the site at Dare Valley and there have been many incidences of poisoning here too Sergeant Ian Guildford, South Wales Police

The camera will film 24-hours a day beaming pictures back to the nest to the visitor centre at the park.

"Peregrines across south Wales are still heavily persecuted," said Sergeant Ian Guildford of the South Wales Police.

"Historically egg collectors gave raided the site at Dare Valley and there have been many incidences of poisoning here too.

"However, over the last few years the peregrine family at the park have done so much better.

"Three chicks successfully fledged during the last breeding season so we are hoping that the installation of this equipment will keep them extra safe," he added.

The Peregrine Falcon is a protected species

The peregrine which is a protected species has faced persecution over the years from gamekeepers and egg collectors.

During World War II, the bird was deliberately killed to protect the homing pigeons used to carry messages.

Over the last three years, the RSPB have discovered 11 cases of poisoning peregrines in south Wales.

Seven of the birds died as a result.

There are about 15 breeding pairs of peregrines in the area covered by Rhondda Cynon Taf council.