In a recent interview with conservationist Mark Thomas, it was highlighted how a single male bird has played a crucial role in the preservation of Montagu’s harrier species in the United Kingdom. Known as AU, this remarkable 10-year-old bird has fathered 16 offspring, with 10 of them born in the last two years, earning him the reputation of being “absolutely prolific.”
Montagu’s harriers are migratory birds that breed in Europe during spring after spending their winters in Africa and parts of Asia. The species is globally declining and is classified as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. In the UK, the population of these birds has been dwindling rapidly, reaching zero breeding pairs in the 1970s before experiencing brief increases and declines in subsequent years.
Mark Thomas, the species lead for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), expressed optimism about recent successes in protecting these birds, attributing much of it to the efforts of AU. AU’s acrobatic mating displays and successful breeding with multiple females have significantly contributed to the species’ survival in the UK.
The conservationists have been closely monitoring AU’s offspring, with hopes that his sons will return to the UK to breed in the future. By attaching satellite trackers to juvenile harriers for the first time, the RSPB aims to track their migration patterns and ensure their safety, ultimately aiding in the conservation efforts for Montagu’s harriers.
The conservationists have taken measures to safeguard the nests of these harriers, which are strategically located in hidden locations on British farmland. By collaborating with landowners and utilizing innovative tracking technologies, the RSPB is committed to ensuring the continued protection and conservation of this unique and endangered bird species.