Marsh harriers have recovered from near extinction in the UK to over 400 breeding pairs, demonstrating how targeted wetland conservation directly improves raptor welfare.
The marsh harrier's recovery demonstrates that welfare and conservation benefits flow directly from habitat restoration. Birds hunting in high-quality wetlands have lower foraging effort, better body condition, and higher breeding success. Reeds beds provide thermal and physical protection for nesting females and chicks. Illegal persecution imposes direct welfare costs through injury and death. Continued wetland creation and protection is the foundation of both welfare and conservation success for this species.