Long-term changes in the abundance and breeding success of raptors and ravens in periods of varying management of a Scottish grouse moor

摘要: Management of heather moorland for driven Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica) shooting in the British uplands may benefit some raptors by reducing predation risk, especially when breeding, and increasing food availability. We describe changes abundance breeding success four raptor species Common Raven (Corvus corax) during a 27-year study on grouse moor southwest Scotland relation to whether or not was managed gamekeepers. Ground-nesting raptors, Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Merlin (Falco columbarius), increased periods management had higher proportion successful nesting attempts. Predation main apparent cause failure. In contrast, did influence either tree- crag-nesting species, i.e., Peregrine peregrinus), Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Raven. sightings study, line with their national recovery, whereas showed little change abundance. The results our highlight that can both Merlin. However, UK scale these benefits Harriers, but Merlin, are outweighed illegal killing, caused fears consumption undermine economics management.