Eurasian Marsh Harrier
VU

Eurasian Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus

UnknownVUNPLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_marsh_harrier

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Eurasian Marsh Harrier faces severe population declines primarily due to widespread wetland drainage and conversion for agriculture across its breeding range. Habitat fragmentation has reduced the availability of suitable reed beds and marshy areas essential for nesting, while agricultural intensification has decreased prey abundance. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, affecting water levels in remaining wetland habitats and potentially disrupting breeding cycles.

Threat summary

Habitat

Eurasian Marsh Harriers inhabit extensive wetland areas including reed beds, marshes, shallow lakes, and wet grasslands across Europe and Asia. They require large territories with dense vegetation for nesting and open water or wet meadows for hunting small mammals, birds, and amphibians.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Eurasian Marsh Harrier classified as Vulnerable?
Eurasian Marsh Harrier is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Eurasian Marsh Harrier faces severe population declines primarily due to widespread wetland drainage and conversion for agriculture across its breeding range. Habitat fragmentation has reduced the availability of suitable reed beds and marshy areas essential for nesting, while agricultural intensification has decreased prey abundance. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, affecting water levels in remaining wetland habitats and potentially disrupting breeding cycles.
Where does Eurasian Marsh Harrier live?
Eurasian Marsh Harrier occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Eurasian Marsh Harrier?
The main threats to Eurasian Marsh Harrier are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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