RSPB’s new map reveals scale of raptor persecution

A new interactive map that shows the whereabouts of satellite-tagged hen harriers has been launched by the RSPB. While the data shows some cases of raptor persecution, the total accounts for less than 7% of hen harrier deaths over a decade. 

The database reveals the movements of tagged birds between 2014 and October 2024 and includes the fates of 178 of the 226 harriers tagged in that time. The interactive map allows users to filter the fates of the hen harriers into five categories: confirmed illegal persecution; “stop no malfunction”, where the bird disappears in unknown circumstances; natural; unknown or tag failure/expiration. 

Of the 178 tagged birds, 12 were subject to illegal persecution between 2015 and 2023. There were no recorded cases of raptor persecution in 2024. 

Forty-eight birds died of natural causes and a further 55 were recorded as stop no malfunction. Some birds are not included because they are subject to ongoing police investigations. 

The 48 birds that are currently being tracked are also not included.