This past week saw the launch of a new petition. One calling for a moratorium on the shooting of critically declining species of wading birds, such Snipe, Golden Plover and Woodcock, in the UK. Stopping short of calling for an all-out ban, favouring instead a halt to the killing, during which proper research into the species declines can be undertaken. He hopes, by an independent research body.
Following the publication of Cat Wars, a new book by American author Peter P. Marra, our feline friends have found themselves at the epicentre of a heated debate regarding their supposed ecological impact.
It should be remembered that positive change is, in fact, possible. And that, when we put our minds to it, we have shown time and time again that it is possible to reverse negative trends in our wildlife populations. That through practical conservation work, changing attitudes and a healthy dose of optimism, we can make a difference. As such, and in dire need of a more upbeat topic, below I have included a list of five such success stories.
The historic decline of the Black Grouse is well documented. An all too familiar tale of human ignorance, inactivity and the resulting decline of an iconic species.
This week, Mark Avery‘s petition to ban driven grouse shooting reached an all-time high of 67,400 signatories
The Spix’s macaw is a bird that was probably never very common. One was sighted in 2000 and then they were thought to be extinct in the wild until recently.
Like most corvids, the Magpie is a figurehead for human/wildlife conflict in modern day Britain. A bird cherished by many yet actively maligned by others.
The Eagle Owl is never far from the headlines in recent times; welcomed by many, persecuted by some and virulently condemned by others – largely due to their tendency to predate raptor species, including those of conservation concern
This week saw the launch of a new petition, one aiming to have the Common Raven (Corvus corax) added to the general license – a move that would allow landowners to control (by lethal means) ravens in the same manner as other corvid species.
This species has declined across the length and breadth of Europe, showing a decrease in population size ranging from 1% to 80% between 1990 and 2000.