Best of 2023: Killing the Skydancer episode one, Susie’s chicks
Dec 26, 2023
22:11
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Phoebe Weston and Ruth Tingay discuss the illegal killing of birds of prey on grouse moors, focusing on the case of Susie, a hen harrier whose chicks were killed. They delve into the world of grouse shooting, its history and conservation conflict, as well as personal challenges and harassment faced by conservationists.
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Quick takeaways
Illegal persecution of birds of prey on grouse moors threatens conservation efforts and reveals the powerful influence of the grouse shooting industry.
Conservationists campaigning against illegal bird of prey persecution face harassment, threats, and intimidation, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the shooting industry and the intimidation faced by activists.
Deep dives
Conflict between Conservation and Grouse Shooting
The podcast explores the conflict between conservation efforts and grouse shooting in the UK. It delves into the illegal persecution of birds of prey, such as hen harriers, which pose a threat to the economically lucrative grouse shooting industry. The podcast highlights how birds of prey are systematically targeted and killed, in spite of legal protections, to protect the profitability of grouse moors. It emphasizes the significance of this issue and the need for awareness and action.
The Shocking Case of Susie the Hen Harrier
The podcast tells the story of a female hen harrier named Susie and her tragic fate. Susie and her chicks were monitored by Natural England, but suspicious activity led to the discovery of her chicks' crushed bodies. The evidence indicated that the chicks were deliberately killed, potentially to protect the interests of grouse shooting. The podcast discusses the shock and horror surrounding this incident and underscores the urgent need to address the illegal persecution of birds of prey.
Persecution, Abuse, and Intimidation of Conservationists
The podcast sheds light on the experiences of conservationists who actively campaign and expose illegal bird of prey persecution. It reveals the harassment, insults, and threats that these individuals face, largely fueled by the grouse shooting industry. The podcast highlights the psychological toll and sense of insecurity that conservationists endure, including incidents of slashed tires and leaked personal information. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the connection between the shooting industry and the intimidation faced by conservationists.
In this special Age of Extinction mini-series from Science Weekly, which first aired in August 2023, the Guardian’s biodiversity reporter, Phoebe Weston, explores the illegal killing of birds of prey on grouse moors and asks why it is so difficult to solve these crimes. In episode one, Phoebe hears about the case of Susie, a hen harrier whose chicks were killed while being monitored on camera. As she starts to investigate the case, she hears from conservationist Ruth Tingay about why hen harriers are targeted and finds out about the personal costs of campaigning on this issue. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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