image source, Tim Melling/National Trust/PA Wire
Since the first national survey from 1998 to 2000, the overall number of Harriers in Ireland has declined by 59%
- author, Louise Cullen
- role, BBC NI Agriculture and Environment Correspondent
Wildlife experts have warned that harriers could become extinct in the Republic of Ireland within 25 years.
The research was carried out by the Golden Eagle Trust, the Irish Raptor Research Group and Birdwatch Ireland.
Only 85 to 106 pairs were discovered, compared to 108 to 157 in 2015.
In 2022, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds warned that crimes against birds of prey in Northern Ireland are going undetected and underreported.
There was only one confirmed case in 2021, bringing the UK total to 108.
sky dancer
Harriers are known for their spectacular aerial courtship displays, earning them the nickname “Sky Dancer.”
It breeds in open upland habitats and nests in shrubs, heather, and woodland.
Oona Duggan from Birdwatch Ireland said the Irish government was not doing enough to protect the species.
“The Government has recently released for public consultation a draft threat response plan for Hen Harriers, which has been developed over a decade,” she said.
“During this period, the species declined by a third.
“His actions are vague and lack ambition. It’s not good enough.”
image source, Natural England/PA wire
In the UK, a national trial to rebuild harrier populations reaches a key milestone in 2022 with record number of chicks released into the wild
He said this would be a “litmus test” for the Republic of Ireland Government and its new National Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to halt the degradation of 30% of disadvantaged species by 2030. Ta.
Site protection
Ms Duggan added that breeding and wintering grounds must be protected by “long-term, well-funded agro-environmental plans to support farmers’ conservation efforts”.
Six sites in the highlands of the Republic of Ireland were designated as Special Areas of Protection in 2007 due to their importance for hedgehog breeding at the time.
But since then, the number of five locations has declined by 20% to 80%.
The Irish Birds of Prey Research Group said it was “disappointed” by the findings, as many areas that were once strongholds for the species appear to be “functionally extinct”.
Since the first national survey between 1998 and 2000, the number of hen harriers across Ireland has fallen by 59%.