Resolving the conflict between driven-grouse shooting and conservation of hen harriers

摘要: Summary 1. Birds of prey and driven-grouse shooting are at the centre a long-standing human–wildlife conflict. Hen harrier predation can reduce grouse bags, limit populations cause economic losses. Despite legal protection, hen numbers severely depleted on drivengrouse moors. 2. In limited trials, provision supplementary food to harriers greatly reduced their predatory impact young grouse, but did not result in higher densities for shooting. Consequently, moor managers have failed adopt technique. 3. A recent Forum paper has called trial ‘population ceiling scheme’ harriers, arguing that this represents best way increase Once exceed agreed ceiling, excess would be translocated other suitable habitat. 4. Whilst ‘ceiling’ scheme might work, it difficult implement we believe approaches population recovery should tested first. 5. While makes an important contribution tosome rural communities, some owners receive considerable sums public money. this, many moors poor condition, ecosystem services they supply may risk from both climate change current management practices, decline. The socio-economic environmental implications alternative models need urgent examination. 6. Synthesis applications. If is only viable when birds routinely disturbed killed, then question legitimacy as sustainable land use. Moorland consider more broadly practices 21st century.