Wildlife

Wild Turtle Dove UK Recovery Efforts

Turtle doves are the UK's fastest-declining bird species, having lost over 90% of their population since the 1960s. Conservation is critical to prevent extinction.

Key Facts

UK turtle dove population has declined by over 95% since 1970
The species breeds in the UK and winters in sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat loss on farmland has removed breeding and feeding sites
Hunting during migration through Mediterranean countries causes additional mortality
Operation Turtle Dove is coordinating habitat provision and hunting reduction

Welfare Considerations

Turtle dove welfare is compromised by habitat loss forcing birds to travel further for food, and by hunting mortality during migration. Individual birds shot during migration suffer directly. The welfare of a rapidly declining population is also tied to the existential threat facing the species as a whole.

What You Can Do

Support Operation Turtle Dove's habitat and hunting reduction work
Plant food-rich strips of seed mixes on farmland for nesting turtle doves
Advocate for hunting moratoria in Mediterranean countries where turtle doves are shot