Experts warn that the Eurasian curlew, Wales’ most threatened bird species, could become extinct as a breeding species by 2033 unless a 6% annual decline is addressed. One in six of nearly 4,000 animal, plant, and fungi species in Wales faces extinction, with the curlew being identified as the most pressing bird conservation priority in the country. The decline of the curlew’s natural habitat means that they often breed in farmers’ hayfields, where nests can be destroyed if the grass is mown before chicks have had time to fledge.
Ornithology consultant Tony Cross, who is working with Natural Resources Wales on a curlew recovery plan, cites habitat loss, farming practices, and predation as the main pressures on an estimated breeding population of between 400 and 1,700 birds. Electric fencing, fox and crow culls, and thermal imaging drones that spot heat from nests hidden in deep grass and bogs can then be used to protect curlews’ chicks.
As part of curlew recovery projects in 12 locations across Wales, including near Whixall, researchers are using drones to find curlew nests. Bethan Beech, from Natural Resources Wales, is leading these projects and said locating breeding sites could help researchers find out where the birds are and how many chicks they are likely to be producing. Researchers can also put electric fencing around the nests to keep out predators and pinpoint the best places to reduce fox and crow numbers by culling.
According to Beech, drones could one day be used to help farmers find and protect curlew nests on their land. She added that farmers are keen to help and could adjust by agreeing to mow the fields a little later than usual and create suitable habitats for curlews. She also hopes that the agricultural subsidy deal rewards farmers for protecting curlew habitats as the decline of their natural habitat means their nesting grounds are endangered
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