After a temporary ban on the annual shoot of the migratory birds as they pass through France, Spain and Portugal, which began in 2021, there has been a remarkable 25% increase in its western European population, which includes the 2,000 individuals clinging on in England.
This means an extra 400,000 breeding pairs across western Europe for a species that has reduced in number in the UK by 98% over the last 30 years. The official figures for 2024 show Britain's turtle dove population still declining, by 15% compared with 2023, with poor early summer weather likely a factor in that fall.
But with conservation efforts redoubling to save the much-loved bird, which is immortalised in poetry as well as Christmas song, some sites have seen promising increases.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin January 01, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin January 01, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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