By David Miller
BBC Scotland environment correspondent
Hen harriers could be removed from some grouse shooting areas and released into the wild elsewhere
Research carried out at Aberdeen University suggests hen harriers can co-exist with profitable grouse shooting.
Scientists have developed a model showing the densities at which the birds can survive together.
The study found that in areas where hen harriers breed at levels that have a significant economic impact on grouse shoots, some chicks could be removed.
They would then be reared in captivity and released into the wild elsewhere.
The stand-off between grouse moor managers and conservationists working to protect hen harriers, which feed on grouse, is one of the UK's most contentious wildlife conflicts.
The research focused on grouse moors in England, where the hen harrier is said to be close to extinction as a breeding bird.
But Prof Steve Redpath, who headed the Aberdeen team, believes the findings are relevant to Scotland.
No comments:
Post a Comment