Turtle Dove Population Could Crash in Latest Blow to British Wildlife

The turtle dove population, already in decline, could be facing a further drop according to new research by the University of East Anglia.

The study, published today in the journal Biological Conservation, suggests that the number of breeding pairs of turtle doves has fallen by more than two-thirds since 1970.

Turtle doves are a popular target for bird trappers, with up to a million being killed every year in Europe. The birds are also suffering from loss of habitat and changes in agricultural practices.

"Our results suggest that without significant conservation efforts the turtle dove will become extinct within our lifetime," said lead author Dr David Gibbons from UEA's School of Environmental Sciences.

"This would be a terrible loss as they are not only lovely creatures but play an important role in the ecosystem, dispersing seeds and keeping insect populations under control."

A nationwide survey of UK turtle doves found that there were just 8,600 breeding pairs remaining in 2014 – down from 24,600 pairs in 1970. The study estimated that if current trends continue, there will be just 2,300 breeding pairs by 2020.

The research called for improved protection for the birds, including targeted bans on hunting and trapping and better management of their habitats.

Wildlife experts have warned that Britain is facing an ecological crisis, with dozens of species threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and climate change.

Turtle Doves Disappear from British Fields

The turtle dove, once a familiar sight in British fields, has all but disappeared in recent years. In fact, the species has declined by more than 95% since the 1970s, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

There are several factors thought to be behind the decline of this iconic bird. First and foremost is habitat loss as a result of intensive farming practices and development. Intensive farming involves the use of large machines which destroy nesting and feeding sites, while development leads to the clearance of woodland habitats which are favoured by turtle doves.

In addition, there has been a significant decline in the number of cereal crops grown in Britain over recent decades, with farmers increasingly opting for high-yield varieties which are less favourable to turtle doves. And finally, there has been an increase in hunting pressure as a result of growing popularity of wildfowling as a hobby.

So what can be done to halt the decline of the turtle dove? The RSPB is calling for greater protection of key breeding and wintering habitat areas, as well as increased funding for agro-environment schemes which help farmers create and manage habitat that is favourable to wildlife. They also advocate a switch to planting traditional, seed-rich cereal crops such as wheat and barley instead of maize and sunflower monocultures. Lastly, they call for better regulation of hunting activities to minimise negative impacts on turtle doves.

Another Species on the Verge of Extinction

The Sumatran elephant, a species of elephant found only on the island of Sumatra, is on the verge of extinction. In the wild, there are currently estimated to be between 2,400 and 2,800 Sumatran elephants remaining. This number continues to decline as poaching and habitat loss threatens their populations.

The Sumatran elephant is the smallest of all Asian elephants, with males typically reaching only 2.5 meters in height and weighing only around 2,000 kilograms. They are mainly forest-dwellers, but can also be found in coastal and lowland areas. Their natural habitat is being rapidly cleared for development, rubber plantations, and other forms of agriculture, leaving them few places to live. They are also frequently killed by humans – either illegally poaching them for their ivory tusks or unintentionally damaging them while working in fields or forests.

There are various conservation efforts underway to help save the Sumatran elephant from extinction. The WWF has launched a campaign called "Save the Elephants" which focuses on preventing poaching and increasing access to education and alternative livelihoods for people living near elephants. The Indonesia government has also taken steps to protect these animals, creating national parks and reserves where they are able to live undisturbed.

It will take concerted effort from both governments and individuals to save the Sumatran elephant from extinction. With your help, we can make sure that this beautiful species does not vanish from our planet forever.

Why Are Turtle Doves Disappearing?

The turtle dove is a migratory bird that winters in Africa and summers in Europe. It has been on the decline for years and is now considered a vulnerable species.

There are many reasons why the turtle dove is disappearing. The main culprits are habitat loss and hunting.

Turtle doves need dense forests and wetlands to survive. These habitats are being destroyed at an alarming rate, both in Africa and Europe. In addition, the birds are being hunted for food and sport.

Other factors that are contributing to the decline of the turtle dove include climate change, disease, and parasites.

The good news is that there are measures being taken to help save the turtle dove. Organizations such as the European Union are working with governments and landowners to protect vital habitat areas. And there are campaigns to raise awareness about the plight of the turtle dove and how people can help make a difference.

It is critical that we act now to save this beautiful bird before it disappears forever.

Turtle Doves Poised for Rapid Recovery

The turtle dove, a small member of the pigeon family, has made a remarkable recovery in the UK over the last few decades. Once common across much of the countryside, their numbers plummeted in the 1990s as a result of modern farming practices and changes in land use.

Thanks to conservation efforts, however, their numbers have now started to rebound, with recent estimates suggesting that there are now around 1.5 million breeding pairs in the UK. This represents a significant increase from the mere tens of thousand found at the turn of the century.

The reasons for this resurgence are not fully understood, but it is thought that changes in agricultural policy, such as agri-environment schemes that incentivize landowners to preserve wildlife habitats, have played a role. In addition, changing public attitudes towards nature and wildlife have also helped to boost turtle dove populations.

All of this is good news for these beautiful birds, which were once common sights across the English countryside and are now slowly making a comeback. If current trends continue, it is likely that they will soon be back to pre-industrial levels and providing an important ecological service by dispersing seeds throughout the landscape.