Conservationists have been striving to prevent a rare bird species from vanishing in the United Kingdom. The recent progress in safeguarding the Montagu’s harrier’s British population is largely credited to one exceptionally prolific male bird, according to conservationist Mark Thomas.
Known as AU, the 10-year-old male has fathered a remarkable 16 juveniles, with 10 offspring born in the last two years. Thomas, who leads the species conservation efforts at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), described AU as the primary force supporting the species in the U.K.
Montagu’s harriers, migratory birds of prey, winter in Africa and parts of Asia before returning to Europe for breeding. Despite being classified as a species of least concern globally, their numbers are dwindling. In the U.K., the RSPB reports a rapid decline in these already rare birds, with a history of near extinction.
At their peak in the 1950s, there were around 30 breeding pairs in the U.K., which dropped to zero in the 1970s before a gradual recovery to 13 pairs in the mid-2000s. However, another sharp decline followed, with zero breeding pairs reported between 2000 and 2003.
The recent success in protecting these birds is attributed to AU’s exceptional mating displays and successful breeding. His acrobatic aerial displays caught the attention of three females this year, resulting in successful nesting and the birth of six chicks, bringing hope for the species’ future.
Conservationists are optimistic that AU’s offspring, especially his sons, will return to the U.K. to breed, contributing to the population’s sustainability. With the aid of satellite trackers attached to juvenile harriers for the first time, researchers aim to monitor their migration patterns closely, providing valuable insights for future conservation efforts.