'Suspicious' disappearance of Hen Harrier

A satellite-tagged Hen Harrier has disappeared in 'suspicious circumstances' in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, according to the RSPB.

The young female harrier, nicknamed Helius, hatched last summer in Bowland and was fitted with a satellite tag which allowed the RSPB to monitor its movements after fledging.

The tag showed the bird to be exploring the wider Forest of Bowland area, spending time on the United Utilities estate and neighbouring moorland until it suddenly stopped transmitting on 1 August.

The female Hen Harrier, named Helius, hatched last summer in Bowland (RSPB).

Human interference

The RSPB said that it suspected human interference. The National Wildlife Crime Unit and Lancashire Police have been informed and a search has taken place, but no trace of Helius or the tag have been found.

Howard Jones, RSPB senior investigations officer, said: "Satellite tags continue to transmit even after a bird dies, allowing us to locate the bird's body. But when a tag suddenly stops transmitting, with no sign of malfunction, and then cannot be located, this is deemed highly suspicious.

"Too many of these birds are disappearing in suspicious circumstances, and it is having a heavy impact on the species as a whole."

Continued crime

Last month, the Hawk and Owl Trust announced that it will conclude its involvement in the controversial Hen Harrier 'brood-management' trial as the current licence comes to an end.

Yesterday, the RSPB published its latest Birdcrime report, which revealed that a shocking 1,344 birds of prey were illegally killed between 2009 and 2023.