Wildlife

Wild Dotterel Upland Welfare

Dotterels are rare upland breeders visiting Scottish mountains with reversed sex roles, dependent on montane habitats threatened by climate change.

Key Facts

Fewer than 500 dotterel breed annually in Scotland on high, stony plateau habitats above 900 metres
Males incubate eggs and raise chicks while females may take multiple mates in a season
Migration 'trips' of dotterel pass through UK arable areas in spring during the journey from Africa
Climate change is reducing suitable montane habitat as vegetation moves upslope
Disturbance at breeding sites causes nest abandonment with direct welfare consequences

Welfare Considerations

Dotterel welfare requires high altitude habitat protection and minimal disturbance during breeding. Climate adaptation monitoring is essential to track the long-term welfare trajectory of this montane specialist.

What You Can Do

Follow strict approach distances at dotterel breeding sites if visiting Scottish mountains
Report dotterel spring passage sightings through BTO to contribute to migration monitoring
Support climate change mitigation as the most critical long-term intervention for dotterel welfare