Conservationists are enlisting the help of Gurkhas to combat the problem of bird egg thefts.

The soldiers will not be armed, but will help teams from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) go undercover to track down collectors before they strike.

They will train RSPB species protection officers in the techniques of reconnaissance and espionage as part of an initiative launched in the Kent countryside.

The RSPB believes such strong tactics are necessary to prevent rare birds from becoming extinct.

The RSPB's Graham Madge said: "I hope this sends out a message that egg collecting just won't be tolerated any more.

Prison sentences

"It is something that belongs to the Victorian era and really has no place in this day and age."

Advice on camouflage techniques and espionage should help RSPB officers identify potential egg collectors from a distance and stop them in their tracks, said Mr Madge.

Gurkhas will have an advisory role

Tougher penalties have helped to deter egg thieves, including the introduction of prison sentences for offenders, but more determined hunters still pursue their hobby.

Mr Madge said: "The Gurkhas are the best fighting force to have in the world to help us.

"It is unlikely the Gurkhas themselves will be guarding nests, but certainly egg collectors can be sure that they will have the next best thing with our staff, once they're trained in these techniques of reconnaissance and espionage."