Wildlife

Wild Curlew Breeding Success Decline

Curlew breeding success has collapsed across UK uplands and lowlands, with chick welfare a central conservation challenge.

Key Facts

The UK holds around 25% of the world's breeding Eurasian curlews
Breeding success is below replacement rate due to predation and habitat loss
Egg and chick predation by corvids, foxes, and mustelids is the proximate driver of decline
Agri-environment schemes supporting curlew nesting habitat are essential

Welfare Considerations

Curlew chicks killed by predators experience acute welfare harm. The cumulative welfare impact of population-scale breeding failure is substantial. Adult curlews investing in breeding repeatedly without success may experience the functional equivalent of reproductive frustration.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and WaderQuest curlew conservation programmes
Advocate for agri-environment funding protecting curlew breeding habitats
Participate in curlew monitoring surveys to support evidence-based conservation