Wildlife

Hen Harrier: Persecution on Grouse Moors Drives Extinction

Hen harriers are functionally extinct as a breeding bird in England due to illegal persecution linked to driven grouse shooting.

Key Facts

England supported only 3 successful hen harrier nests in 2018 despite habitat capacity for hundreds
Satellite-tagged birds have a mysterious disappearance rate that shows strong evidence of persecution
Hen harriers prey on red grouse chicks making them targets on managed grouse moors
Brood management schemes move some chicks as a compromise conservation measure
Scotland has around 570 pairs but persecution remains a problem on some estates

Welfare Considerations

Hen harriers face welfare harm from illegal persecution including shooting, trapping, and nest destruction. Brood management which moves chicks to aviaries creates welfare costs during captivity and release. Birds may also face secondary poisoning from medicated grouse grit and rodenticides used on moors. Harassment during the breeding season can prevent successful nesting.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Raptor Persecution UK campaigns to end illegal persecution
Donate to satellite tagging programmes that expose persecution through disappearance data
Boycott driven grouse shooting until the industry demonstrates sustainable wildlife coexistence
Contact your MP to support parliamentary debates on grouse moor licensing
Report suspected raptor persecution to police and share evidence with conservation organisations