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A new report by the UK's nature conservation co-ordinator
on hen harriers in the UK says that persecution is a significant factor
limiting growth of the hen harrier population. The Joint Nature Conservation
Committee (JNCC) report, released today by Scottish Natural Heritage,
considered scientific evidence on the distribution and nesting success of this
bird of prey across all four home countries.
Scientists writing the Hen Harrier Conservation Framework, to be published
this Friday, looked at a range of factors affecting the distribution of hen
harriers (Circus cyaneus) throughout the UK. The report's authors looked at
eight factors which could affect the hen harrier population, ranging from
grazing pressure, which might reduce the heathery habitat important for prey
species, to wind farms. Results showed that illegal persecution is a
significant constraint on hen harriers in some areas, preventing them from
achieving healthy populations in suitable habitats throughout large parts of
the country. In some regions there are other constraints, such as shortage of
prey and suitable nesting habitat; and predation by other animals, such as
foxes and crows, can be a constraint on breeding success.
Persecution was considered to be a particular problem in areas associated with
grouse moor management in Scotland, notably in the northeast and central
Highlands, the Cairngorms, the western Southern Uplands and the Border Hills.
In England, illegal persecution is such a constraint that the hen harrier is
threatened with extinction as a breeding species. There is some good news in
Wales, Northern Ireland and The Isle of Man, as well as the western and
northern Isles of Scotland, where hen harriers are increasing in numbers.
The report identifies key areas of further research needed, particularly on
the effect that foxes and other predators have on hen harriers and on the
management needed to support prey and nesting habitat for harriers. The report
is also clear about some of the data and therefore modelling limitations
notably in relation to habitat quality and numbers of predators.
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "Hen harriers are one of
Scotland's special birds and an important part of our biodiversity. It is
pleasing to see that Scotland remains a stronghold for hen harriers, however
we cannot deny that persecution, amongst other issues, remains a live threat.
This Government continues to take a robust approach to persecution of birds of
prey. The Government's inclusion of vicarious liability in the Wildlife and
Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill will ensure that those who direct or turn
a blind eye to persecution can be held to account."
The bird has been identified as a priority species by the UK Government in
terms of combating wildlife crime. The last survey (2004) estimated there to
be 633 pairs in Scotland, 11 pairs in England, 43 pairs in Wales and 63 pairs
in Northern Ireland. A survey of hen harriers was carried out again in 2010,
and once the data are collated an updated version of the framework will be
produced. The bird is included on the red list of birds of conservation
concern in the UK. In addition, because it is considered vulnerable within
Europe, it is included on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, which means that
special conservation measures must be taken to protect the bird and its
habitat.
Professor Des Thompson, SNH principal adviser on biodiversity, said: "This
report identifies persecution as a significant problem hitting hen harriers
hard across some parts of the country. Providing more evidence to tackle this
issue is a key aim of this framework. This report will feed into the strenuous
efforts that are being taken to conserve this bird, and to resolve the
conflict between hen harrier conservation and red grouse management which
underlies persecution. The Langholm Moor Demonstration Project, the Natural
England-led Environment Council harrier project and various activities under
the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) have to work if we are
to arrest the problem." |
