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Rare bittern heard for first time on Isle of Wight
Bitterns are notoriously difficult to survey on wetlands because they spend much of their time in the dense reed.
Foghorn-like mating call suggests the bird is looking for a mate

Conservationists on the Isle of Wight have heard the distinct mating cry of the UK’s rarest birds, the bittern, for the first time.

Staff at RSPB Brading Marshes described hearing the call as “like receiving a Michelin star as a restaurant”.

“It’s one of the highest marks of success we could hope for,” explained RSPB warden Keith Ballard. “Bitterns have very selective habitat needs, and to attract them you need a truly thriving ecosystem.”

Bitterns are notoriously difficult to survey on wetlands because they spend much of their time in the dense reed. To measure their numbers, scientists listen out for the male’s foghorn-like call, which indicates that it is looking for a mate.

In 1997, bittern numbers in the UK fell to just 11 males. Conservation efforts have aided their recovery, but today there are still no more than 200 bitterns at less than 75 conservation sites.

Conservationists are particularly excited about this recent discovery because the presence of bitterns is considered one of the best measures of successful wetland management.

The RSPB Brading Marshes reserve has already seen three new wetland species successfully breed on the island - the little egret, marsh harrier and great crested globe. Staff hope the bittern’s mating call will attract a female and that they too will successfully breed.

“The work we have done to manage the reserve for insects, fish, reptiles and mammals, as well as birds, now means we have one of the most UK’s most sensitive species choosing the Isle of Wight as its home,” Mr Ballard added. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.