….the latest total has now increased up to 2,602 missing hen harriers in Scotland, according to the latest research!
You may recall (see blog posts 23 Jan & 19 Feb) that in the recently published Hen Harrier Framework Report, the potential hen harrier population in Scotland was estimated to be within the range of 1,505 – 1,790 breeding pairs (3,010 – 3,580 individuals). Also included in the Framework report were the results of the 2004 National Hen Harrier Survey, which found that only 633 pairs were present in Scotland – a shortfall of up to 2,314 birds. The Framework report was heavily criticised by various grouse-shooting interest groups (yawn), who were particularly upset that the Framework report had relied upon the results of the 2004 survey and not on a more up-to-date survey. Be careful what you wish for – the results of the 2010 National Hen Harrier Survey have just been analysed and guess what? The population was even lower in 2010 than it was in 2004. No surprise there then.
According to the 2010 Survey, the Scottish population has declined by another 22.7% in the space of six short years, and is now a pathetic 489 breeding pairs – this means that between 1,016 – 1,301 pairs (2,032 – 2,602 individuals) are now missing.
As today sees the final stage of the WANE Bill debate in the Scottish Parliament, you’d better hope that your MSPs recognise the cause (grouse-shooting) and effect (a continually declining hen harrier population) of this disgraceful situation and vote to accept the proposed new measures to bring to justice those who continue to illegally decimate our natural heritage. We will report on the outcome of the votes in due course.
Article on the 2010 National Hen Harrier Survey here: http://www.scottishraptorgroups.org/news.php
BBC news story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-12617877
Raptor Persecution UK 
So over half of our hen harrier population is missing/dead, and there is still argument about whether tough new laws against the criminal gamekeepers and landowners should be implemented? It is no wonder our international reputation is in disrepute. My MSP had better step up today and vote in a way that reflects our utter disgust at this situation.
They can pass as many laws as they want, if the police and courts don’t do there job properly then it wont make any difference, except make the MSPs look good. Lets see how long it takes for an estate owner to get jailed. I think it will be a very long wait.