Read the report to learn more about the issue of Hen Harrier persecution.
The Hen Harrier, one of the UK’s most iconic birds of prey, continues to be illegally killed despite decades of legal protection. These crimes are strongly associated with land managed for grouse shooting where some individuals perceive them as a threat to their grouse stocks.
These crimes are directly suppressing Hen Harrier populations in the UK, reducing their survival and preventing the recovery of this Red-listed species.
Satellite tags have become an essential conservation tool, providing insights into the movement and survival of Hen Harriers in the UK, expanding our understanding of this species. These tags also play a crucial role in exposing confirmed and suspected Hen Harrier persecution incidents, pinpointing when a where a bird has died or vanished. In many cases, the recovered bodies of dead satellite tagged Hen Harriers have been confirmed to have been illegally killed.
When a satellite tag suddenly stops transmitting and the bird’s body is never found – despite extensive land searches – it is strongly suspected that the Hen Harrier was illegally killed and the tag destroyed. Although these incidents are reported to the police, to date, no one has ever been charged in connection with the suspicious disappearance of a satellite tagged Hen Harrier. Due to the nature of these crimes, it is extremely difficult to obtain the necessary evidence to identify the perpetrator involved and bring them to account.
Between 2010 and 2024, 112 tagged Hen Harriers disappeared under suspicious circumstances in the UK – most sending their last transmission on or near land managed from grouse shooting. Since only a fraction of Hen Harriers are satellite tagged, the true scale of persecution which this species is suffering is believed to be significantly higher.
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To find out more about the fates of more than 200 RSPB satellite tagged Hen Harriers visit our interactive map hub. This database gives detailed information for each bird including the location of their last point of transmission, age and tagging location.
The satellite tag data from Hen Harriers fitted with these devices has revealed the true impact of these crimes on the survival of these rare, Red-listed species. Follow the links below to learn more about this scientific research.
Many of the bird of prey persecution incidents which we follow up are reported to us by members of the public.
If you see something suspicious involving a Hen Harrier reporting it quickly can make a huge difference. To find out more about what to report and how, follow the link below.
As a small team, we rely on members of the public to be our eyes and ears when out and about in the countryside. Many cases which reach court are the result of a quick-thinking and concerned member of the public contacting us.”
You play a major role in the fight against Hen Harrier persecution. Report a crime against birds of prey
Current protective legislation is failing to prevent the illegal killing of birds of prey in the UK’s uplands. We’re calling for the introduction of a robust licensing system across the UK to put an end to these crimes.
Add your voice and support our campaign. Together, we can push for change that ensures upland landscapes work for both wildlife and people.
Operating across all four countries of the UK, our staff work tirelessly to bring those committing these wildlife crimes to justice.
If you would like to help the team continue their essential work, please visit here.
