Hen harriers a 'litmus test' for biodiversity
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The hen harrier has been described as the "canary in the coalmine" for upland ecosystems.
It follows the publication of the Government’s plan to prevent the ironic ground-nesting hen harrier from extinction.
Workers in the last century often brought canaries with them into coal mines to detect any carbon monoxide or other toxic gasses and act as an early warning sign of danger.
But the phrase has now been used to highlight the growing dangers facing the hen harrier that breeds in open upland bog, heather moorland and associated habitats.
Experts fear the species could face extinction within the next 25 years in Ireland unless urgent remedial action is taken.
A roadmap to reverse the decline in numbers has now been published by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government following public consultation.
The move followed a public consultation that received over 2,400 submissions on how to save the species.
But some of the responses called for actions which other submissions were diametrically opposed.
Those conflicting opinions have now been reflected in the reaction of various environmental groups to the plan.
What is not in dispute, however, is that the hen harrier population in the Republic of Ireland was estimated at 85 confirmed and 21 possible breeding pairs (85–106) in 2022.
This is a decline of one third in the total population since the previous national survey in 2015 and a 27% contraction in their breeding range for the same period.
A series of coordinated actions across agriculture, forestry and wind energy sectors are outlined in the Government’s recently published Threat Response Plan (2024-2028).
It also recognises the importance of landowners and farming communities in improving the habitat for the hen harrier and the need for supports and incentives to engage them in conservation.
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said the Government, in adopting the plan, is making clear its commitment to putting its obligations to this species, and to biodiversity more generally, at the heart of decision-making.
National Parks and Wildlife Service director-general Niall Ó Donnchú said the plan sets out a direction of travel to give the hen harrier a chance of survival.
“It is incumbent on us across the public sector to work together to ensure that the actions are implemented,” he said.
But the plan, according to BirdWatch Ireland, the Environmental Pillar and An Taisce is vague, lacks detail and ambition and will not restore the hen harrier population to ensure its survival.
They want habitat restored across all nationally important breeding and wintering sites using clear targets and timelines. protection from forest management activities, wind energy development and other pressures.
Guaranteed long-term support for farmers through well-funded results-based schemes is also sought.
John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland, said the hen harrier is "the canary in the coalmine" for upland ecosystems.
"It is incredibly sad to think that many of our uplands can no longer sustain hen harrier populations. These are supposed to be some of our wildest and most important areas for biodiversity," he said.
"But clearly, this is not the case due to the loss of heath, blanket bog and grassland habitats and the associated declines of species like Curlew and Skylark, among others.
“Unfortunately, the plan as published does not pass that test and is a missed opportunity for this iconic bird and a disappointing start to plans for nature restoration in Ireland,” he said.
Fintan Kelly, Agriculture and Land Use Policy and Advocacy Officer with the Environmental Pillar, said there are some potentially positive developments in the new plan.
But it is impossible for them to support the plan, as many actions in their current form are too vague and not targeted enough to ensure real urgently needed change.
Dr Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy with An Taisce, said: “Our role has always been to act as advocates for the best outcomes for the hen harrier, its habitats and the farming communities that support them.
“We remain committed to ensuring that an effective threat response plan is delivered for the hen harrier and upland communities and will continue to advocate for the necessary actions to save this iconic bird.
“The current draft plan and the status of the hen harrier and its habitats represents an unacceptable failure by the State, to deliver on both Irish and EU law in respect of the species and its habitats.
“We will not allow the Government to quietly quit on this incredible bird species,” she said.
