Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hen Harrier Persecution Welfare

Hen harriers are one of the UK's rarest birds of prey, with illegal persecution on grouse moors causing significant welfare harm and threatening population recovery.

Key Facts

UK hen harrier population is around 500 pairs, far below habitat capacity estimates
Satellite-tagged hen harriers disappear at statistically anomalous rates on grouse moors
Persecution methods include shooting, trapping, and nest destruction
Brood management schemes aim to reduce conflict between harriers and grouse shooting
The Hen Harrier Action Plan was established to facilitate recovery but progress has been limited

Welfare Considerations

Hen harrier persecution causes death or injury to individual birds through illegal shooting and trapping. The suppression of the population well below its ecological carrying capacity represents sustained welfare harm preventing natural population expression.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected hen harrier persecution to police wildlife crime officers
Support RSPB campaigns for stronger enforcement against raptor persecution
Engage with the conflict between raptor conservation and grouse shooting economics