Scottish hen harrier population suffers 20% population decline between 2004 – 2010

A new scientific publication has documented a 20% decline in the Scottish hen harrier population over a six-year period. A national survey was carried out in 2010 and the results indicate an estimated population of 505 territorial pairs. The previous national survey was conducted in 2004 and estimated 633 territorial pairs. The paper’s authors suggest that the decreases may be related to habitat change and illegal persecution.

Hayhow, D.B., Eaton, M.A., Bladwell, S., Etheridge, B., Ewing, S.R., Ruddock, M., Saunders, R., Sharpe, C., Sim, I.M.W. and Stevenson, A. (2013). The status of the Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus, in the UK and Isle of Man in 2010. Bird Study, Volume 60, Issue 4.

The full paper is available for free download here