Wildlife

Wild Red-Necked Phalarope Welfare

Red-necked phalaropes are tiny Arctic wading birds breeding in Shetland, with welfare dependent on freshwater pool quality and invertebrate availability.

Key Facts

Fewer than 40 pairs of red-necked phalaropes breed in the UK, almost all in Shetland
They have reversed sex roles - females are brighter and males incubate eggs
Freshwater pool invertebrate availability determines breeding success
RSPB Fetlar reserve management supports the UK's largest breeding colony
Winter habitat in the Arabian Sea is threatened by climate change and fishing pressure

Welfare Considerations

Red-necked phalarope welfare requires both Shetland breeding habitat management and international protection of wintering habitat. Each breeding pair represents a significant proportion of the UK population.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Fetlar reserve that protects the UK's main phalarope breeding site
Record phalarope sightings on migration to contribute to flyway monitoring
Donate to marine conservation in the Arabian Sea wintering area