SCOTTISH native raptors are thriving thanks to the impact of restoration efforts, a new report reveals.
Raptors in the Highlands are flourishing due to vital restoration work aimed at supporting the birds.
The latest report highlights five years of data gathered by WildLand Cairngorms, which demonstrates the positive effects of ecological restoration on the birds of prey as they navigate the region.
Since 2019, WildLand Cairngorms has implemented a tagging and monitoring programme for three native species: the Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle, and Goshawk, on their estate in the Cairngorms National Park.
The use of tagging has provided several benefits, including enhanced understanding and protection of the persecuted species and deeper insights into their habitat needs.
The programme has led to notable successes, including a 100% survival rate for Hen Harrier nests between 2022 and 2023. Golden Eagle numbers have also increased, with breeding pairs rising from four in 2021 to seven in 2023.
Additionally, two pairs of Goshawks, a species once driven to extinction in the UK due to persecution, successfully bred on the estate in 2021.
Over five years, WildLand Cairngorms has tracked the movements, threats, and development needs of these raptors.
“The tagging and monitoring has allowed us to make careful observations of the birds across their suitable habitats which has been fascinating and incredibly useful,” said Ronan Dugan, field ecologist at WildLand Limited.
“For example, we observed the Hen Harrier most frequently nests on our regenerating native moorland. This is encouraging as we know as conditions improve we will have ample and more resilient habitat for them in the future.”
Dugan explained that the expansion of the work on the native woodland in the Cairngorms has been “extremely important for the return of the Goshawk and the prey they depend on” as this species is “an elusive predator of the forest and open spaces".
“We are very grateful to have the Goshawk back breeding in the landscape, adding to the important predator-prey balance in a rapidly regenerating large-scale conservation area,” he added.
Golden Eagles were once widespread across southern Scotland but are now limited to only a few pairs. WildLand Cairngorms has been working with partners to boost the species, which has struggled with low breeding success and limited movement between the main Scottish population.
In 2021, WildLand Cairngorms facilitated the translocation of a single Golden Eagle chick to strengthen the southern population.
“One pair of Golden Eagles within WildLand Cairngorms has been very productive in recent years – they have hatched twins for four consecutive years,” said Dugan.
"We are delighted to hear that the chick is doing well in its new home and hope it will have a long and productive life.”
