BirdWatch Ireland launch appeal to help save Hen Harrier
by Emily Sheehan
Bird Watch Ireland has launched a Hen Harrier Appeal in response to a decline in the bird's population.
Results outlined in the 2022 Hen Harrier survey reveal that the species has declined by one-third in a seven year period, with only 85 to 106 breeding pairs believed to still be in the country.
The survey presented a 25% decline of the Hen Harrier population in the Slieve Bloom mountains, despite the area's 'special protection' status for the breeding of Hen Harriers.
Despite the survey's description that the Slieve Bloom region has “maintained a broadly stable breeding population of Hen Harrier since the 2005 survey”, the presence of the bird in 2022 has decreased to that of the 2010 figure, with only 8-9 pairs in the area.
The Hen Harrier is regarded as being even more endangered than the Curlew and the Corncrake – two species often used as examples for the loss of biodiversity in Ireland.
A statement issued on behalf of the 'Hen Harrier Appeal' said: “Without strong and swift intervention, the Hen Harrier faces the very real prospect of extinction in Ireland in just 25 years, its skydance and chattering call no longer gracing our uplands. ”
“However, there is hope. As the Hen Harrier is one of our best-studied birds, we know what we need to do to save it.”
“We will advocate for and continue to undertake Hen Harrier surveying and monitoring work so that we can build on our knowledge of this species and inform targeted conservation measures," the statement continues.
“To do all of this, we need your help.”
Donations to the Hen Harrier Appeal will held BirdWatch Ireland to advocate for a robust Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan, allowing for more effective conservation and review procedures when protecting the species.
Additionally, it will allow for the organisation to purchase specialised monitoring equipment, to review afforestation policies, advocate for appropriate measure to preserve Hen Harrier foraging habitats, and to develop efficient Hen Harrier survey ad monitoring methods.
Donations can be made through the BirdWatch Ireland website.