Ground-nesting birds suffer 'widespread declines'
Gray partridge.
Six types of ground-nesting birds have suffered widespread declines across Scotland since the 1960s, a new report suggests. Stakeholders involved in a ground-breaking project agree that urgent action is needed to protect populations.
The Understanding Predation project aimed to find ways to tackle bird and mammal predation of six wild birds - black grouse, curlew, golden plover, grey partridge, lapwing and oystercatcher.
Commenting on the project, chairman of Scotland's Moorland Forum, Lord Lindsay, said: "The project has demonstrated that there is a broad consensus over a wide range of topics between scientific and local knowledge of the issues surrounding predation.
"It has also shown that where there is a will, new solutions can be found to contentious problems through collaboration and joint-working."
The study has been praised for its collaborative approach, which made use of both scientific and local knowledge. Launching the report, Scottish environment minister Aileen McLeod said this method could "prove to be a turning point in the way we tackle these difficult issues in future".
Davy McCracken, head of SRUC's Hill and Mountain Research Centre, added: "Such a collaborative and objective approach helped ensure that the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of all those concerned about declines in ground-nesting birds were taken fully into account.
"Developing such a common understanding between scientists, conservationists and those who work the land is an essential first step in finding solutions to any conflicts associated with predation."
Whilst the study focused on the impact of wild birds, it could prove a useful model for addressing widespread concerns among upland farmers and crofters about the impact of bird and mammal predation on their livestock.
More details of the report can be found on Scotland's Moorland Forum: http://www.moorlandforum.org.uk/understanding-predation-report-launch
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