Satellite tagging for the long-term monitoring and conservation of Hen Harriers in the Isle of Man
Manx BirdLife, Manx Wildlife Trust and the Manx Ringing Group are proposing a project to use satellite tags to monitor and research hen harriers (Circus cyaneus) in the Isle of Man.
The Isle of Man hen harrier population is unique
The Isle of Man hen harrier population is unique in being the only un-persecuted population (within the UK), which provides great value and opportunity for unbiased scientific study. Though some consider the UK population to be analogous in behaviour to the Manx population, it is believed that the UK population’s behaviour and land use is driven by persecution.
Though to a degree, the Manx population has reasonable historic monitoring, this has been breeding success and winter roost counts; the harriers use of the island on a landscape scale is little studied and understood. We think we know, but we have no data, and this knowledge is subject to significant observer bias.
Satellite tags have been used previously on the Isle of Man, as part of Natural England and RSPB projects.
Project aims
The initiative aims to deploy five satellite tags per year over a minimum of five years to gather essential data on hen harrier movements, year-round habitat use (in particular winter use where we have limited knowledge and understanding), roost site fidelity, survival rates, interactions with other species and potential threats.
The findings will contribute to conservation strategies and inform policy decisions to protect this species; and provide an un-biased dataset for future the future conservation of the species specific to the Isle of Man.
Project Outcomes:
- Deploy five satellite tags annually for the next five years, tagging a total of at least 25 individual hen harriers by 2029, to monitor their movements and behaviour
- Monitor and track the movements, migration patterns, and habitat use of tagged hen harriers to better understand their seasonal behaviour and habitat preferences.
- Annually assess the survival rates of tagged hen harriers and identify any threats to the population by 2029.
- Provide comprehensive data on hen harrier movements, survival rates, and threats to conservation organisations annually.
- Engage stakeholders, including conservation groups, policymakers, and members of the public, annually in hen harrier conservation efforts through awareness campaigns, aiming to increase engagement and support each year.
