Scottish Hen Harriers on the rise despite illegal persecution

Scotland's Hen Harrier population is rising despite continued illegal persecution of the raptor, according to RSPB Scotland.

The number of Hen Harriers in Scotland is up 15% since 2016 to an estimated 529 territorial pairs, accounting for some 77% of the entire UK and Isle of Man population.

The west Highlands, Hebrides and Orkney continued to provide a home for the majority of Scotland's breeding Hen Harriers – but RSPB Scotland said the 2023 survey, which was published earlier this month, reveals a "mixed picture" for the species.

Hen Harrier is on the rise in Scotland but still faces the threat of illegal persecution, often in areas managed for grouse shooting (Martin Standley).

 

Mixed fortunes

The population remains low in parts of the mainland where the charity says persecution continues to be a likely constraint on their numbers – as evidenced by satellite-tagged harriers continuing to disappear, mainly in areas managed for grouse shooting.

For the first time since national Hen Harrier surveys began, the Hebrides held the second-largest population in Scotland with an estimated 110 territorial pairs – a 125% increase since 2016. There was also an increase of 69% in the eastern parts of the Highlands.

Orkney and the north of the Highlands saw their populations rise by 15% and 12% respectively, while the west Highlands showed a decline of 5%. 

The southern uplands saw a steep decline of 32%.

 

Illegal persecution

The RSPB said four Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated by NatureScot for Hen Harrier in the south of Scotland, and the species now only breeds at one – the community-owned land at Langholm. 

 

The Scottish Government recently passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which will introduce licencing for grouse shooting in Scotland, alongside measures to protect harrier habitats.

 

Cause for optimism

Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management for RSPB Scotland, said: "The results of the latest Hen Harrier survey show there is cause for optimism, and some encouraging signs of population recovery in parts of Scotland, particularly the Western Isles, which we hope to see continue. 

"Sadly, Hen Harrier persecution continues. Just last month, a satellite-tagged harrier disappeared in the Angus Glens. The illegal killing associated with intensive grouse moor management must stop. We are calling on Police Scotland to ensure all satellite tagged raptors disappearing in suspicious circumstances be recorded as a crime."