The Hen Harrier is now on the verge of extinction in England. Despite being protected as a Bird of Prey, under The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, the Hen Harrier has been subject to years of illegal persecution because of the habitat that it breeds in. A recent Government scientific study -- the Hen Harrier Framework -- suggested there is capacity in the English uplands for over 300 pairs of hen harrier, yet for the first time since the 1960s, hen harriers have failed to nest successfully in England. This study cited illegal persecution through shooting, trapping and disturbance as the main reason for the hen harrier's unfavourable conservation status in England. In 2011, the Government published 'Biodiversity 2020' (the revised England Biodiversity Strategy). In this strategy the Government made a clear commitment that there should be no extinction of an English wild species at the hands of man. However the tendency of hen harriers to eat red grouse means that some shooting estates feel they have to illegally kill or disturb these graceful birds of prey in order to protect their stock. A long-term study at Langholm Moor in Scotland has revealed potential through a technique known as diversionary feeding. Using this measure gamekeepers provide alternative prey during the nesting season when hen harriers are hunting intensively to feed their chicks. Martin Harper, RSPB's conservation director states: "We are aware of a small number of gamekeepers that have used this technique with great success and had the eggs hatched at the English nest, the local gamekeeper and landowner had agree to trial the technique. Unfortunately, these forward-thinking individuals appear to be the exception rather than the rule!". Please help to save this magnificent bird of prey and others like the Merlin, Peregrine, Buzzard and Golden Eagle that are subject to illegal persuction by signing this government e petition..... Licencing of upland grouse moors and gamekeepers. Responsible department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Given the continuing levels of illegal persecution of birds of prey the Government is called upon to introduce a system of operating licences for upland grouse shoots.Following any proven offence of persecution on the shoot concerned, i.e. illegal trapping, use of poisons, shooting or the interference with or destruction of nests, the licence would be revoked for a period of not less than two years and commercial shooting activity cease. Linked to the above the Government is called upon to introduce an accreditation scheme or licencing system for all gamekeepers, be they employed in a full time or part time capacity. If an individual then has any proven involvement with raptor persecution, the licence would be withdrawn for a period of three years along with the right to hold a gun licence. Any repetition of an offence would result in the licences being withdrawn for life. See also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6VWlr8YWFg

• published: 22 Nov 2013
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