Wildlife

Hen Harrier Welfare: Illegal Persecution and Conservation

Welfare analysis of hen harrier persecution in the UK -- one of the most documented illegal wildlife crimes.

Key Facts

Hen harriers are one of the most persecuted birds of prey in the UK
They are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Despite legal protection, systematic illegal killing on grouse moors continues to suppress populations
Persecution methods include shooting, trapping, and nest destruction
Poisoned baits cause prolonged agonising deaths -- a severe welfare concern
Population modelling shows that without persecution, English upland moorland could support 300+ breeding pairs
Tagged hen harriers regularly disappear over managed grouse moors -- satellite tags stop transmitting suddenly
The breeding population in England numbers fewer than 10 pairs in most years due to persecution

Welfare Significance

The welfare of individual hen harriers subjected to illegal persecution is severe. Poisoned baits, traps, and shooting cause prolonged suffering and death. This is deliberate, sustained killing of a protected species. Effective enforcement, wildlife crime prosecution, and land management reform are all urgently needed welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor persecution immediately to the police wildlife crime unit
Support the RSPB and Raptor Persecution UK in monitoring and advocacy
Advocate for vicarious liability legislation holding landowners responsible for persecution on their land
Choose grouse moor alternatives for rural visits and spending