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22/08/2003
UK's rare bittern population sees 'dramatic' rise
One of the UK’s rarest birds – the bittern – has experienced its most dramatic annual population increase since 1997, when first started to recover from virtual extinction, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Results of RSPB and English Nature research show that numbers of bitterns, an extremely rare heron, have reached at least 42 ‘booming’ males, nearly quadruple the number recorded just six years ago, making this a "triumph for conservation".
Their numbers are measured in ‘booming’ males because these booming calls signify that the birds are ready to breed – and they are so well camouflaged that they would be very difficult to count in any other way.
"These results are extremely encouraging and point to the achievements of recent conservation work," an RSPB spokesperson said.
Bittern numbers had dropped dramatically in the past as large areas of reedbed habitat on which the bitterns depend were "drained, destroyed or neglected" leaving many bitterns without a home.
However, intensive work to create new reedbeds, and better management of their existing homes, has helped reverse the previously dramatic decline in the population, the RSPB say.
Gillian Gilbert, RSPB bittern ecologist, said: "The bittern is still so rare that we know each of these birds individually. But these results are extremely encouraging and point to the achievements of recent conservation work."
A new £4 million project, launched in May this year, will build on this and will see ideal habitat develop for bitterns at 19 sites throughout England.
(gmcg)
Results of RSPB and English Nature research show that numbers of bitterns, an extremely rare heron, have reached at least 42 ‘booming’ males, nearly quadruple the number recorded just six years ago, making this a "triumph for conservation".
Their numbers are measured in ‘booming’ males because these booming calls signify that the birds are ready to breed – and they are so well camouflaged that they would be very difficult to count in any other way.
"These results are extremely encouraging and point to the achievements of recent conservation work," an RSPB spokesperson said.
Bittern numbers had dropped dramatically in the past as large areas of reedbed habitat on which the bitterns depend were "drained, destroyed or neglected" leaving many bitterns without a home.
However, intensive work to create new reedbeds, and better management of their existing homes, has helped reverse the previously dramatic decline in the population, the RSPB say.
Gillian Gilbert, RSPB bittern ecologist, said: "The bittern is still so rare that we know each of these birds individually. But these results are extremely encouraging and point to the achievements of recent conservation work."
A new £4 million project, launched in May this year, will build on this and will see ideal habitat develop for bitterns at 19 sites throughout England.
(gmcg)
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11 August 2005
Setback in bitterns’ recovery
The bittern, one of Britain’s rarest birds, has suffered a setback in its recovery, researchers have revealed. A new UK-wide survey of the birds, which are related to the more familiar grey heron, found that there was a minimum of 46 male bitterns this year.
Setback in bitterns’ recovery
The bittern, one of Britain’s rarest birds, has suffered a setback in its recovery, researchers have revealed. A new UK-wide survey of the birds, which are related to the more familiar grey heron, found that there was a minimum of 46 male bitterns this year.
09 February 2004
More money needed to stave off extinctions threat, says RSPB
Developing countries must be better supported by richer nations if their wildlife is to be spared the fate of the dodo, mammoth and great auk, an international conference will hear this week.
More money needed to stave off extinctions threat, says RSPB
Developing countries must be better supported by richer nations if their wildlife is to be spared the fate of the dodo, mammoth and great auk, an international conference will hear this week.
22 September 2004
Action needed to reverse 'serious decline' of farmland birds
Conservationists have called for action following the "serious decline" of UK farmland birds on grassland farmed for dairy, beef and sheep.
Action needed to reverse 'serious decline' of farmland birds
Conservationists have called for action following the "serious decline" of UK farmland birds on grassland farmed for dairy, beef and sheep.
21 May 2014
High Court Rule Gull Cull Can Proceed
The High Court has ruled against the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB challenge of an application to cull 1100 lesser black-backed gulls). BAE Systems had applied for permission to cull the birds in Lancashire, with the RSPB submitting its objection to the move.
High Court Rule Gull Cull Can Proceed
The High Court has ruled against the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB challenge of an application to cull 1100 lesser black-backed gulls). BAE Systems had applied for permission to cull the birds in Lancashire, with the RSPB submitting its objection to the move.
07 October 2005
Attenborough backs albatross campaign
Broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough has become the latest public figure to support a campaign to save the albatross. Sir David, vice president of the RSPB, announced his support for a scheme, organised by the RSPB and BirdLife International, which trains fishermen to use fishing techniques aimed at preventing seabird deaths.
Attenborough backs albatross campaign
Broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough has become the latest public figure to support a campaign to save the albatross. Sir David, vice president of the RSPB, announced his support for a scheme, organised by the RSPB and BirdLife International, which trains fishermen to use fishing techniques aimed at preventing seabird deaths.
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