Hen harriers are one of the most endangered raptor species in the UK.

RSPB appealing for information
 
Police in Scotland are investigating the death of a rare bird of prey, after post-mortem results revealed it was illegally shot.

The young hen harrier, named Annie, was found on a grouse moor in south-west Scotland back in April. She was fitted with a satellite tag as a chick, as part of a research project at Langholm Moor.

Scientists tracking the bird became concerned in March this year when data showed Annie had stopped moving.

After an extensive search involving RSPB Scottish investigations staff, Natural England and Police Scotland, the bird's body was recovered at the end of April.

A post-mortem carried out by the SAC Veterinary Centre laboratory in Edinburgh recently confirmed Annie had been shot.

Hen harriers are one of the most endangered raptor species in the UK. In Scotland alone, their numbers fell by 20 per cent between 2004 and 2010.

Harriers are the UK's most intensively persecuted bird of prey. As their diet can include red grouse, they come into conflict with grouse rearing for shooting.

Scottish minister Dr Aileen McLeod said the news was "extremely disappointing" but the government remains "absolutely committed" to tackling wildlife crime.

"I expect all right minded people involved in the countryside, including in shooting, to agree that wildlife crime has no place in modern Scotland," she added.

RSPB Scotland is urging anyone with any information about the crime to contact Police Scotland by dialling 101. 

Image © Andreas Trepte, www.photo-natur.de/Commons Wikimedia/CC BY 2.5