NatureScot Research Report 1331 - An analysis of Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme data to improve understanding of the impact of the 2022 Avian Influenza outbreak on raptors and raptor populations in Scotland.
Abstract
This report provides an update on the impact of the 2021 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak on raptor species in Scotland using data from the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme (SRMS). The study focused on common buzzard, golden eagle, goshawk, hen harrier, kestrel, merlin, osprey, peregrine falcon, raven, red kite, sparrowhawk, and white-tailed eagle. Key findings include significant declines in breeding success for golden eagles and white-tailed eagles, particularly in coastal areas, likely linked to the HPAI outbreak. Notable declines were observed in Lewis & Harris, with golden eagle breeding success falling from 55% to 16% and white-tailed eagle breeding success declining from 66% to 24%. The report also notes localized impacts on other raptor species, including statistically significant declines in breeding success for ravens in Shetland and Orkney, peregrines in Tayside, and red kites in Highland North-east Scotland. While other factors such as weather may have played a role, anecdotal observations support the observed patterns of breeding failures, suggesting that HPAI may have contributed to nestling mortality.