It seems that Scottish landowners of grouse-shooting moors are coming under increasing pressure from groups of conservationists who believe that they kill raptors such as the Red kite, Golden eagle and Hen harriers (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/06/glorious-twelfth-red-kites-hen-hariers). Although the birds of prey now have more legal protections, it is said that some landowners regard them as responsible for declines in grouse chicks, ear-marked for the post-12th August blast off. This is in spite of the facts that a) being a top predator, raptors are relatively few in number and b) some, like the Red kite, are mainly carrion-feeders. Health of the heathers (on which the grouse feed), disease and the decimating effects cold, wet summers might be factors more potent in changing grouse numbers. Although I have never really understood the 'pleasures' of rearing birds to shoot, I suppose that,at least, maintaining economically viable grouse moors, stops the land being used for farming or building (with a real loss of biodiversity).
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Sunday 7 August 2016
Grouse
It seems that Scottish landowners of grouse-shooting moors are coming under increasing pressure from groups of conservationists who believe that they kill raptors such as the Red kite, Golden eagle and Hen harriers (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/06/glorious-twelfth-red-kites-hen-hariers). Although the birds of prey now have more legal protections, it is said that some landowners regard them as responsible for declines in grouse chicks, ear-marked for the post-12th August blast off. This is in spite of the facts that a) being a top predator, raptors are relatively few in number and b) some, like the Red kite, are mainly carrion-feeders. Health of the heathers (on which the grouse feed), disease and the decimating effects cold, wet summers might be factors more potent in changing grouse numbers. Although I have never really understood the 'pleasures' of rearing birds to shoot, I suppose that,at least, maintaining economically viable grouse moors, stops the land being used for farming or building (with a real loss of biodiversity).
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