Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th February 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Ground-nesting birds suffer 'widespread declines' 
gray partridge
Gray partridge.
Project receives praise for collaborative approach
 
Six types of ground-nesting birds have suffered widespread declines across Scotland since the 1960s, a new report suggests. Stakeholders involved in a ground-breaking project agree that urgent action is needed to protect populations.

The Understanding Predation project aimed to find ways to tackle bird and mammal predation of six wild birds - black grouse, curlew, golden plover, grey partridge, lapwing and oystercatcher.

Commenting on the project, chairman of Scotland's Moorland Forum, Lord Lindsay, said: "The project has demonstrated that there is a broad consensus over a wide range of topics between scientific and local knowledge of the issues surrounding predation. 

"It has also shown that where there is a will, new solutions can be found to contentious problems through collaboration and joint-working."

The study has been praised for its collaborative approach, which made use of both scientific and local knowledge. Launching the report, Scottish environment minister Aileen McLeod said this method could "prove to be a turning point in the way we tackle these difficult issues in future".

Davy McCracken, head of SRUC's Hill and Mountain Research Centre, added: "Such a collaborative and objective approach helped ensure that the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of all those concerned about declines in ground-nesting birds were taken fully into account.

"Developing such a common understanding between scientists, conservationists and those who work the land is an essential first step in finding solutions to any conflicts associated with predation."

Whilst the study focused on the impact of wild birds, it could prove a useful model for addressing widespread concerns among upland farmers and crofters about the impact of bird and mammal predation on their livestock.

More details of the report can be found on Scotland's Moorland Forum: http://www.moorlandforum.org.uk/understanding-predation-report-launch

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.