RSPB Concern at Turtle Dove numbers in the UK

30^th May 2013 UNDER Blog, RSPB

Charity officials at the RSPB we stunned to announce that Turtle Dove numbers have fallen by as much as 93% since 1970. The distinctive purr of the Turtle Dove was once a distinctive sound across British gardens, but the fall in their number is far higher than most other species of bird in the UK.

This is why ‘Operation Turtle Dove’ was set up last year to try and halt this alarming fall in numbers that could lead to the eventual extinction. The charities involved are –

RSPB
Conservation Grade
Pensthorpe Conservation Trust
Natural England

as they join forces to try and reverse the fortunes of these beautiful birds. They are asking the general public to report any sightings on a special telephone line so they can try and find UK hotspots for the bird. Over 400 sightings were registered last year, which allowed the team to learn where best to target their conservation work.

RSPB South East farmland bird advisor, Bruce Fowkes, said –

It’s great that so many people are looking out for these birds and supported ‘Operation Turtle Dove’ last year. Turtle doves are truly struggling and we are facing the very real possibility of losing this beautiful bird from the UK within the next 10 years. So we’re hoping for more reports this year and are appealing to anyone who spots a turtle dove to call and give us as much information as possible.

The drop in Turtle Dove numbers has been due to a few major factors, but mostly due to a lack of specific food during the mating season. This means that during this important time, less babies are being produced as the season becomes shorter and shorter. They are even hunted in parts of the Mediterranean, which will hopefully stop once these startling figures are shown.

Turtle Doves are usually found in the UK between May and August before they fly back to Africa for the warmer climate. Saying that, I’m not too sure they’ll be finding much sun over here during those months the way our weather has been!

If you see a Turtle Dove, why not ring the team on 01603 697527 to report the sighting, and help the RSPB to try and halt this rapid decline in their population. It only takes a second, and will be really helpful in try to ensure the long term stability of the species.

If you would like to help the RSPB, why not check out our dedicated charity page where you can learn more information about their work, and how you can provide much needed funds to aid their groundbreaking animal initiatives.