Rarities & Conservation: Six More Hen Harriers Disappear on Grouse Moors as Another Is Confirmed Poisoned

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Rarities & Conservation: SIX MORE HEN HARRIERS DISAPPEAR ON GROUSE MOORS AS ANOTHER IS CONFIRMED POISONED

20 January 2026
By James Hamilton

Seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, all on or close to land managed for grouse shooting. One bird has been confirmed poisoned, while six others vanished in highly suspicious circumstances. Three of these disappearances occurred within just thirteen days.

Hen Harriers are a protected, Red-listed species of high conservation concern. Illegal killing is widely recognised as the primary reason for their ongoing decline and vulnerable status in England.

In every 2025 case, the birds’ final satellite transmissions came from on or near grouse moors in northern England. While all incidents were promptly reported to the police and the National Wildlife Crime Unit’s Hen Harrier Taskforce, securing evidence and achieving prosecutions in raptor persecution cases remains extremely challenging. Investigations are ongoing.

A Pattern of Disappearance

For more than 15 years, the RSPB and Natural England have fitted Hen Harrier chicks with highly reliable satellite tags to monitor their movements and survival. These tags are designed to continue transmitting even after a bird has died. However, repeated incidents show tags stopping suddenly and inexplicably on grouse moors, without any sign of technical failure.

Peer-reviewed research, forensic analysis and intelligence reports indicate that, in these cases, the birds were almost certainly killed and their tags deliberately destroyed. Despite strong indications of criminal activity, the absence of recoverable evidence often prevents those responsible from being brought to justice.

Between 2016 and 2025, 72 satellite-tagged Hen Harriers disappeared suddenly and suspiciously in England. Alarmingly, 85% of these disappearances occurred on or near land managed for grouse shooting. As only a small proportion of the Hen Harrier population is tagged, these figures likely represent only a fraction of the true scale of illegal killing.

Hotspots and Young Birds Targeted

All six Hen Harriers that vanished in 2025 disappeared in known persecution hotspots — areas dominated by grouse moors with a history of raptor crime. Intelligence suggests these killings are intended to increase the number of grouse available for commercial shooting.

Tragically, three of the six birds disappeared in September, just weeks after fledging and within thirteen days of one another. Scientific research shows that persecution has dramatically shortened the lifespan of Hen Harriers, with young birds surviving an average of just four months after leaving the nest.

Confirmed Poisoning

One Hen Harrier, named Ataksak, was found dead near a grouse moor in North Yorkshire in early January 2025. Toxicology tests confirmed poisoning with a lethal pesticide mixture known as the “Nidderdale Cocktail”. Since 2011, this poison has been linked to the deaths of at least 15 birds of prey and one dog in the same region. Mark Thomas, RSPB UK Head of Investigations, said: “Although the suspected persecution of six satellite-tagged Hen Harriers in a single year is deeply concerning, it follows a long-established pattern. Since 2010, more than 100 tagged Hen Harriers are believed to have been illegally killed across the UK, the majority on or near grouse moors. What we are seeing is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Calls for Licensing of Gamebird Shooting

The RSPB is renewing its call for the introduction of a robust licensing system for all gamebird shooting across the UK. Scotland introduced licensing for grouse shooting in 2024, creating a proportionate, low-cost system that penalises only those estates linked to wildlife crime. James Robinson, RSPB Chief Operating Officer, said: “These latest incidents paint a bleak picture for Hen Harrier recovery in England. Licensing would provide a meaningful deterrent, allowing shooting estates to lose their licence if serious crimes are suspected under a civil burden of proof. Scotland has shown leadership — England must now follow.”

How to Report Wildlife Crime

Members of the public who suspect bird of prey persecution are urged to report it by calling the police on 101 and submitting a report to the RSPB. Reports can be made anonymously via the RSPB’s online reporting form or by calling the confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.

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