Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Campaigners are raising concerns about the need for stricter rules regarding the release of gamebirds into the Welsh countryside due to fears of the impact on native wildlife and the spread of avian flu. The RSPB Cymru has highlighted the issue as the shooting season commences, emphasizing the unsustainable numbers of pheasants and red-legged partridges being set loose. Although a decision on implementing a new licensing system for gamebird releases has been postponed following a public consultation three years ago, the Welsh government is now carefully considering the matter while the shooting industry cautions that tighter controls may jeopardize jobs.
Reports indicate that between 800,000 and 2.3 million gamebirds are released annually in Wales, prompting concerns about the need for increased oversight. Environment watchdog Natural Resources Wales (NRW) proposed a “risk-based licensing framework” in the past to regulate gamebird releases, requiring permission for such activities. The head of species at RSPB Cymru, Julian Hughes, expressed frustration with the lack of government action, citing the growing risk to nature from large releases of non-native gamebirds and the potential threats posed by avian flu.
Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed cases of bird flu among wild pheasants near Denbighshire, warning of the risks posed to threatened bird species in the region. Despite concerns raised by conservationists like Mr. Hughes, the government’s delayed decision on implementing stricter rules could impact wildlife conservation efforts and the economy. The proposed licensing system could involve gamekeepers obtaining permits from NRW for bird releases near sensitive areas, potentially affecting the shooting community and rural economies in Wales.
Helen and Will Jones, who manage a farm in Powys where pheasants are reared, expressed apprehension about the potential regulations impacting their conservation efforts and livelihood. The couple emphasized the positive impact of their shoot on local wildlife populations and biodiversity, stressing the need for balanced management practices and biosecurity measures to prevent avian flu outbreaks. The proposed rules could have far-reaching consequences on rural communities and economic activities reliant on shooting, leading to concerns about job losses and the sustainability of traditional practices in Wales
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.