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Threats
Loss of moorland habitat is still a major threat. Pesticide contamination no longer causes concern, though the northern populations carry inexplicably heavy mercury loads.
Illegal killing and egg collecting still goes on, but is currently not on a level that would endanger the species. Recreational disturbance pressure is a concern in some areas.
Site specific conservation measures for the merlin are relatively ineffective, because of its low population density. Instead, general land use policies for upland areas need to include a provision for the birds and ensure that key feeding and nesting requirements are not compromised.
Of particular importance are sympathetic management of heather moorlands and adjacent low intensity agricultural land, and sympathetic management of forests in areas where the birds nest in trees.
Vigilance against illegal killing and egg-collecting continues to be important in curbing this unnecessary source of mortality. Monitoring the presence of mercury and other environmental contaminants in the birds continues.